Kathryn Thomas issues rallying call to support children’s charity hike challenge

Barretstown Ambassador and well-known Irish broadcaster, Kathryn Thomas, is calling on people to join the annual Barretstown Dublin Mountains Challenge on Sunday, May 28th. The event is now in its ninth year, and Thomas is urging as many people as possible to participate and raise funds for Barretstown. The charity delivers life-changing therapeutic programmes to children who have been affected by serious illness and their families.

The funds raised from the challenge will support Barretstown’s therapeutic programmes, which are delivered on-site in Kildare and through outreach programmes supported by over 2,000 volunteers. So far, over 85,000 children have benefitted from the programmes, which help them rebuild their self-confidence.

Kathryn Thomas, who is renowned for her love of the outdoors and the importance of exercise for physical and emotional well-being, has been sharing training insights and tips on social media in the lead up to the event.

“The Dublin Mountains Challenge is a wonderful opportunity to experience the amazing beauty of the south Dublin range but most importantly support an extremely worthy charity, which has an incredible impact on the lives of children and their families affected by serious illness.

Every year, around 18,000 children experience serious illness in Ireland. Barretstown is an essential organization that provides support to children on their journey through serious illness. Fundraising events, such as the Dublin Mountains Challenge, are critical to the charity’s mission, and all funds raised will go directly to delivering their therapeutic programmes.

This year’s event, kindly supported by Lucozade Sport, will return to its original format, with two lengths to suit all fitness levels. Starting in Sean Walsh Park, Tallaght, participants can follow the scenic Dublin Mountains Way, a 24km trail to Ticknock Park, or a 42km to Shankill, with bus transfer back to Tallaght. For those who are unable to take part in the Dublin Mountains route, they are encouraged to follow an equivalent distance in a location suitable to them.

Thomas concludes that the event is an opportunity to come together for a greater good:

“Unfortunately, we are all aware, either directly or indirectly, of a child and family impacted by serious illness, and with that in mind, Sunday, May 28th is a chance to come together for a greater good, dust off our walking boots and go the distance to help press play for children living with serious illness.”

Anyone interested in participating can visit the Barretstown website for more information on how to get involved.