Crann Centre Launches Fifth Annual Walk n'Roll Fundraiser

The Crann Centre, a Cork-based charity supporting children, adults and families living with neuro-physical disabilities, has announced its fifth annual Walk n'Roll fundraising event taking place next month.

Participants are invited to complete a 5k activity their own way between Thursday, 12 June and Sunday, 15 June 2025. The charity will also host a special event at its Ovens centre on Saturday, 14 June, welcoming client families to complete their final kilometre together.

Having raised more than €110,000 over the past four years, the Crann Centre has set an ambitious target of €50,000 for this year's campaign. All funds raised will support the charity's comprehensive services for people living with conditions including spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, and other neuro-physical disabilities.

The Crann Centre employs a '2 Generation' model of care, providing support not only to individuals with disabilities but to their entire families. This approach has proven invaluable to families like Alison Lynch's, whose son Oliver benefits from the centre's services.

"No one thinks of the effect a disability can have on the entire family but the Crann Centre provides services for the whole unit," Lynch said. "All you have to do is look at the happiness in Oliver to know the services are invaluable. He enjoys coming here, it's a safe place."

The charity currently supports over 700 families across Cork, Kerry and the wider Munster region, with approximately three new families seeking assistance each week.

Boston Scientific has committed to a three-year partnership with the Walk n'Roll campaign, contributing €30,000 over this period and providing staff volunteers to support activities including the final 1k event.

Cork City FC striker Ruairí Keating, who serves as this year's ambassador, encourages the public to participate:

"I have seen first hand the work that is carried out by the team at the Crann Centre and they are continuing to provide vital support to hundreds of families from Cork and across the Munster region."

In support of the fundraiser, Cork City FC will hold a bucket collection at Turner's Cross during their match against Bohemians on Friday, 13 June.

The Crann Centre offers a range of specialist facilities, including Ireland's first fully accessible playground and leisure area, The Impact Hub (an accessible co-working space for entrepreneurs and professionals with disabilities), and a wheelchair accessible conservation area and nature trail.

Padraig Mallon, Chief Executive of Crann, emphasises the importance of the fundraiser:

"This is our fifth year running the event and all the money raised will go towards providing services for children, adults and families living with neuro-physical disabilities right here in Cork. It will make a huge difference to us in terms of planning services for today, tomorrow and into the future."

For more information or to sign up for the Walk n'Roll event, visit https://cranncentre.ie/walknroll/