Millie's run to take place in Kingscourt

“She is a lovely, happy little girl,” Mairead Carolan says of her niece, Millie. Mairead is chatting about the 5km walk she has been involved in organising in Kingscourt for New Year's Day.
The family-friendly event is a community fundraiser to raise money to equip a specialised sensory room for nine-year-old Millie McCormack.
“The family wanted to do something to show our support for Millie's parents, Brendan and Louise,” Mairead explained. “I was playing with the idea for a couple of months and I just thought it was a nice way to bring people together and show our support.”
Louise and Brendan have created a sensory room for Millie to help her at times when her autism is causing her stress. Mairead thought it would be a good idea to organise an event to fundraise for equipment for the sensory room.
“I only thought it was going to be a small group of people but the public response has been huge. I've been overwhelmed by the support we have received. The area of Kingscourt and Muff where Brendan and Louise are from are very tight-knit communities. The messages and generosity from people has been fantastic,” Mairead told the Celt.
That support has been flowing in since the event was first suggested: “People are so good and so kind. They can't do enough. Edel in Pat's Shop, who is Brendan's sister, has been a great help as well.”
Millie is a pupil at St Joseph's National School, Kingscourt, where she attends the ASD Cairde Unit. Though non verbal, she loves school and made her first Holy Communion this year.
Mairead says that all the preparations are in place for the New Year's Day event. Refreshments will be served after the race. The entry fee is €10 per adult, children are free. So whether you’re a serious athlete, a couch to 5k or you just fancy a great start to the new year then come along and support this fundraiser.
It starts at 11am, with registration from 10.15am, at Kingscourt Stars GAA Grounds on January 1. The walk follows the looped walked from Kingscourt through Dun A Ri forest park.
For more information search Family Fun 5K Run/Walk With Millie on Facebook. If you would like to donate online visit www.gofundme.com/millies-milestone.