Crann Centre Targets €75,000 With Walk 'n’ Roll Fundraiser

A Cork charity that supports more than 900 families living with neuro-physical disabilities is calling on the public to get moving this June as part of its biggest annual fundraiser.

The Crann Centre's Walk n'Roll event is now in its sixth year and has raised over €150,000 since it began. This year, the charity is aiming to raise €75,000, with members of the public invited to register on iDonate and complete a 5km in their own way between 1 and 7 June.

Corporate support has also been secured, with Boston Scientific pledging a three-year commitment to the event.

To mark this year's campaign, families who attend Crann will come together to complete their final 1km at the Centre's fully accessible playground on Saturday, 6 June, with a family celebration featuring entertainment and activities to follow.

Among those taking part is the Mangan family from Ballinhassig. Their son Rian (10), who lives with Cerebral Palsy, has been accessing services at the Crann Centre since 2022, while his brother Oran (8) attends the Centre's sibling workshops.

Their mother, Miriam, said:

"Rian is involved in many of Crann's programmes, including the Breaking Barriers theatre group, summer camps, Skills on Wheels workshops, and play therapy. Oran regularly attends SibShops, which allow him to share his sibling experience with other children who understand what that's like.

These programmes have been invaluable, not just for Rian's personal development, but for how we function as a family day-to-day. The staff are fantastic, and the sense of community and support gives me great reassurance that we're never on our own."

The Crann Centre supports families affected by a wide range of conditions, including Spina Bifida, Hydrocephalus, Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Arthrogryposis, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke and Multiple Sclerosis. Central to its work is its pioneering Two-Generation (whole family) Model of Care, which supports not only the person living with a disability, but also parents, siblings and caregivers.

Padraig Mallon, Chief Executive of Crann, said:

"Participation in Walk n'Roll grows every year, and I'd like to thank everyone who signs up, along with our partners Boston Scientific and Cork City FC, for getting behind the event. Walk n'Roll raises vital funds for the services we provide for families to achieve the best possible outcomes for their physical and mental health and participation in education, employment and community activities. By supporting the entire family together, Crann enables families not just to cope, but to truly thrive."

Cork City FC is supporting the event, with players Seani Maguire and Rory Feely acting as ambassadors. The club will also host a bucket collection in aid of Crann at their match against Finn Harps on Friday, 29 May.

To register for Walk n'Roll, visit idonate.ie.