By Kim O'Leary
A truly inspirational young man from Newbridge 16-year-old Eoin Sheridan is set to take place in this year’s Dublin City Marathon to raise funds for 2 charities, and as part of his preparation he successfully took part in the Naas Town 2018 10k family fun run event which started at Naas GAA Club on Sunday, 30 September.
Young Eoin Sheridan (16) is from Clongorey outside Newbridge and he was born with 22Q11, also known as DiGeorge Syndrome (DGS).
Speaking to KildareNow about Eoin’s wish to raise money for local charities, his proud father Colm Sheridan said: “Eoin has DiGeorge Syndrome also known as 22Q11 which is a chromosomal disorder, it’s classified as a rare disease with 1 out of every 2,000 people living in Ireland being diagnosed with it. This year, I along with 4 friends have come together to allow Eoin experience running in the Dublin City Marathon. We have kindly been loaned a racing chair from Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon and over the last few months Eoin has been training for his big day on 28 October.”
Brave Eoin has been loaned a racing chair from Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon
When he was just two weeks old Eoin suffered a devastating stroke and he spent the first 3 months of his life on life support in Our Ladies Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin. Eoin is now 16 and he attends St Anne’s Special School on the Curragh and he requires assistance in carrying out many daily tasks.
“He needs help with activities like getting dressed and he also has some mobility issues, he’s always going to be dependent on someone. He goes to St Anne’s school and the staff there are great with Eoin. At home he has two younger sisters and thet’re also great with him, helping him with any tasks which he has difficulties with,” said Colm, referring to some of the challenges that Eoin faces on a daily basis.
Eoin has personally chosen 2 charities to raise money for as part of his marathon journey firstly the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation and the Curragh Lourdes Fund.
Colm explained: “When Eoin left hospital Jack & Jill provided nursing care to us so that we could care for Eoin in our own home. We will always be grateful for the support provided to us by this fabulous charity. Secondly the Curragh Lourdes Fund take Special Needs and Sick adults and children to Lourdes as part of the International Military Pilgrimage. The Curragh Lourdes Fund has a strong affiliation to Eoin's school. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has donated to our fundraising efforts.”
And they're off! Eoin and his father Colm Sheridan and friend John Sweeney at the Naas Town 10k event last weekend
Eoin and Colm with friend John Sweeney before the Naas Town 10k race
On Sunday 30 September, Eoin and his father Colm and friend John Sweeney completed the 10k Naas Town run and they crossed the finish line with a time of 49 minutes and 8 seconds while 319 participants competed in the 10k event.
Brave Eoin is determined to help other young people by taking part in several running events as he aims to raise €3,000 for his chosen charities.
Next up for inspirational Eoin is the Dublin City Marathon on October 28 and he will be joined by his father Colm and friends John Sweeney, Ken Eustace, Pascal Battault, and Kevin Hoyne.
To donate and to support Eoin and his team visit:
https://www.gofundme.com/eoinschariot
If you have a story or want to send photos or videos to us please contact the KildareNow editorial team. via our Facebook, via our email at content@kildarenow.com or on 045 409350 during office hours.