Offaly women raising funds for charity through athletics

Two Offaly women are reaching out for support, as they continue their efforts to raise money for charity through athletic challenges.

Sharon Shanahan, from Shinrone, is currently in the midst of a bid to clock-up 100km of running throughout the month of July, to raise funds and awareness for the Irish Cancer Society.

So far, Sharon, a schoolteacher in Roscrea, has reached close to 30km and raised almost €5,000.

Speaking on her idonate page, Sharon said: “Cancer has touched many families including my own, in more ways than one. We sadly lost my grandad to cancer a couple of years ago. Today, my dad is bravely fighting his cancer battle. Seeing the impact cancer has on the people you love has inspired me to do something that, hopefully, can make a difference for others.”

Sharon has been documenting her efforts in recent weeks and said she would love if some other people wanted to join her on some of her runs.

“Some days I'll be doing it alone, and on other days I'll be joined by family and friends, because one thing cancer reminds us is that nobody should have to face life's toughest battles alone. I'd love for as many people as possible to get involved too. Together, we can create a chain of support, raise awareness, and make an even bigger impact. Together, we really can make a difference,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Midland Warriors Rugby Football Club has wished its female player of the year, Justine Walsh, the best of luck as she prepares to run the Coast2Coast challenge – from Salthill, Galway to Poolbeg Lighthouse, Dublin – between July 23 and 26. Justine will be raising funds for Accessible Counselling Tullamore (ACT).

“All I can do is give it my best, and that's all any of us can ever do. I'll be posting my planned route, daily stops and estimated times on my facebook and Instagram. If you'd like to be part of the journey, I'd love for you to join me - whether it's for one, five, or ten kilometres, or even just a few hundred metres. Every step together will mean a lot,” said Justine.

Midland Warriors RFC, meanwhile, praised Justine's desire to take on the challenge and described ACT as 'an incredible local charity doing vital work'.

To donate to Sharon's charty challenge, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/100km-for-hope-supporting-the-irish-cancer-society

To donate to Justine's charity challenge, visit https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/justinewalsh67211