Nenagh Guardian
Saturday 17 September 2011
Successful Teddy Bear’s Picnic Fundraiser
The sun shone brightly in Portumna Forest on Sunday May 22 as over one hundred walkers joined the forest Teddy, to raise funds for two very worthwhile charities: The Children’s Medical & Research Foundation & CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young www.cry.ie).
Jim Finn from Thurles walking group along with Fr Tomas O’Connell, Cathedral Presbytery, Thurles and Jerry Quinn, Shanballyduff, set the pace for the serious walkers and undertook the 10km walk with great gusto.
The shorter, family friendly walk was very popular on the day and was enjoyed by all ages; many of the younger participants enjoyed the beautiful atmosphere of the forest from the comfort of their buggies!
The Forest Teddy added greatly to the atmosphere on the day and posed for many phones with walkers.
The Children’s Medical & Research Foundation provides much needed funds for continuing research and necessary high-tech equipment and facilities at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin. The large number of parents with their very young children who took part in and supported the walk was testament to the regard in which the work of Our Lady’s Hospital is held.
In January 2007 a dedicated service for assessment of cardiac risk in the younger person and inherited cardiac disorders opened at the Adelaide & Meath Hospital, Tallaght, with the appointment of the Director, Dr. Deirdre Ward, Consultant Cardiologist. This service was developed in direct response to the lack of specialist services dedicated to the evaluation of young individuals and families at risk of sudden cardiac death.
The untimely deaths of some high profile sports players has raised public awareness, both of the need for evaluation of family members if SCD (sudden cardiac death) has occurred in the past and of the possible association between some symptoms in young people and SCD. Information on the services provided at the CRY centre is available at www.cry.ie.
As a result of the generous support received, each charity has received a cheque for €2,050. Sincere thanks to all who contributed to the success of the 2011 Teddy Bears’ Picnic, looking forward to next year!