Join Our Boys Trust in unique fundraiser
The Join Our Boys Trust recently launched ‘Miles for our Boys’ in Gleeson’s in Roscommon town. The fundraiser will see Archie Naughton taking part in the Dublin City Marathon in October with the aid of a special running buggy and an army of supporters.
Archie and his brothers, George and Isaac, have been diagnosed with Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).
Their parents, Paula and Padraic, established the Join Our Boys Trust in order to raise awareness of DMD while also working to fund research and provide vital services for their boys.
Speaking after the recent launch, Paula Naughton said that there has been a positive response so far to the launch.
She said: “We’re so grateful for all the support from local businesses and organisations including Gleeson’s and Team Kerr.
“We’ve had a good response so far. We’re hoping for about 200 people to take part with us so we have some kind of impact – people from all over Ireland and further afield are welcome!
“We think there’s a niche market. We’re looking for people who in their wildest dreams would never run!”
Paula added that there would be an information night in April and that Dublin City Marathon representatives would be in attendance.
She added: “The information night will be an opportunity for people to speak to people who have completed the marathon. We’re also lucky we have Sinéad Gannon, who will also be available throughout the training process to help people and everyone will be offered a programme.”
Paula added that this was “a call to action” and that all support was welcome. As for Archie’s first marathon, Paula was understandably proud of her son.
“I know I’m biased but I think he’s remarkable. The buggy is really comfortable and he’ll have a few races in it and plenty of practice!”
Local trainer, Sinéad Gannon, said she was delighted with the response to this unique fundraiser.
“My phone has been hopping since the launch. We are going to start training in May because for a marathon it takes 22 to 24 weeks. You need to train three times a week so two evenings and a training session at the weekend,” she said. Sinéad said the toughest period would be at the end of August as the marathon drew nearer and that beginners should be aiming to start off walking and running 2.5 miles at first, before gradually increasing distances.
As for her protégé, Archie, she said he was already looking forward to the big finish!
“I think he’s really excited after the launch. The main thing is that he’s happy. His only thing is that we have to finish in a good time so that the crowds are still there!”
Archie recently completed his first mile in his marathon buggy with the help of his supporters. The buggy was donated by Team Kerr, an assisted running team from Northern Ireland.
Team Kerr are David, Sandra and their son Aaron Kerr and they were on hand to provide tips and advice in Gleeson’s.
Now, it’s over to Team Naughton as they get behind Archie’s marathon effort over the next few months. They won’t be alone as once again, an army of local volunteers will be out in force to go the extra miles for Join Our Boys.
