Riverdancers complete the Dublin’s Women’s Mini-Marathon

June 8, 2011

The stiff limbs of the 50 runners who took to the streets of Dublin on Monday to run the Mini-Marathon should be returning to normal by now following their exertions to raise funds for Research Foundation’s Eithne Walls Fund. Everyone, whether they were walking or running had a great day and the Foundation went out of their way to make sure that the ladies were pumped up with energy drinks and snacks before the run and also provided much-needed sustenance back at the hospital afterwards.

Thanks to everyone who supported this great cause – particularly to all of the runners and walkers but of course to all who contributed their time or money also. The funds are still being collected but there’s no doubt that we’ll surpass last year’s total. Hopefully we’ll do it all again in 2012 with an even larger group – this great day out for a great cause is becoming a real fixture in the calendar for Riverdance and the Research Foundation!

The family of Eithne Walls asked that we post the following message:

“The Walls family wishes to acknowledge the continuing support of Riverdance and the efforts undertaken by Abhann Productions, in conjunction with the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital (RVEEH), to keep Eithne’s memory alive are truly appreciated.  We are particularly grateful to those Riverdancers, many of whom were Eithne’s friends, (and their families who ran with them), who so generously gave of their time to run, jog or walk the Ladies Mini Marathon, in support of the RVEEH Research Foundation.  We also thank everyone who sponsored the participants; your generous sponsorship enables Eithne to contribute to medical advancement in the treatment of eye disease in Ireland.

Finally, we are grateful to Carla O’Brien who not only ran in the Marathon but also prepared a beautiful tribute to Eithne for the RTE News at One on June 6, in which she skillfully connected the formal opening by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny of the Research Foundation’s new Education Centre at the RVEEH, the presentation of the Eithne Walls Memorial Medal and the Ladies Mini Marathon.

We continue to be overwhelmed by the support we receive from the Riverdance family; words cannot express how much your kindness and generosity means to us.

Mary, Raymond, Kathryn and Gerard Walls”

 

Photos from the day of Riverdancers, the Walls family and friends, including some of the hospital workers.