What county you are representing?    

I will be representing County Wexford (Up the Yellow Bellies!).  

Tell us a little about yourself.    

My name is Clara, a recent graduate of Hibernia College Dublin I am a newly qualified primary school teacher just about to start my first teaching role in a local school in Wexford town. My hobbies include musical theatre, rounders with my local team Barntown Gaels, volunteering with Barretstown  and fingers crossed travelling again once restrictions begin to ease off. I also love to bake- and make a pretty good batch of Terry’s Chocolate Orange Brownies.  

How many times have you taken part in the Vhi WMM?    

I was due to take part last year before Covid hit, and had spent my weekends walking, jogging and running around the beautiful Raven Forest in Curracloe, Co. Wexford. But it wasn’t to be, so here I am, again, training for my first Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon.  

What do you most love about the event?    

As this my first time, I think what attracted me to take part was the great videos, photos and stories we hear each year. For the people running for charitable causes to those just looking to challenge themselves everyone, I always said I would give it go and now that I’m home and finally finished college I have the time to give it a go. 

What inspires you to take part?    

Having taken up running during the lockdown last year and seeing so many people raising funds for so many good causes I thought it was my turn to pop on my runners for a good cause, also my own personal experience with Barretstown and knowing the difference the camp makes for children impacted by serious childhood illness. 

Our campaign theme this year is Power of Me, celebrating the power of one person to make a difference, either in their own lives or to the lives of others.  Let us know how you encapsulate this theme.  

Since my teenage years, I have been highly involved in volunteering both on a local and national level. I have coached mini rugby, volunteered with Special Olympics, tutored in homework clubs, mentoring young people through Gaisce and most recently joined the volunteer team at Barretstown. It is through these opportunities I have experienced the difference that can be made when people come together to dedicate their time to a cause. Even one hour a week can have a transformative impact on the lives of others 

Do you take part for a charity or cause?    

This year, my colleague, Orla, and I, will be running the Vhi WMM to raise fund for Barretstown. A Serious Fun camp located in Ballymore Eustace, Kildare, the camp provides free, specially designed camps and programmes for young people, their siblings and their families impacted by serious childhood illness.  

Barretstown is recognised as a centre of excellence in childhood cancer care, the camp provides an escape for families are they battle through some of the darkest times and can by a ray of hope for children and young people while allows them to sing, laugh, dance and grow in confidence in a medically supported camp setting. 

As a past volunteer with Barretstown I have seen first-hand the difference the camps can make to children and their families. By running the Vhi WMM I hope to be able to raise funds to allow Team Barretstown to welcome back as many families as restrictions ease. Now, more than ever, these families need a chance to experience the magic of camp. 

Any other details about the cause or story that you can share that may inspire other women.    

If you’re thinking of running the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon for a charitable cause please consider Barretstown. The ethos of staff and the vast volunteer team brings joy and magic to the lives of young people impacted by serious childhood illness. In 2019 the team welcomed more than 9,500 children to camp, that is 9,500 families who got the chance to see their young person smile, laugh, grow in confidence and heal from the impact social and emotional impact of their illness. 

What advice would you give others who are considering taking part this year?    

Just do it (thanks for the words of wisdom Nike!), the first training session is the hardest and you’ll be amazed by the progress you can make each week. Get yourself some comfortable runners, your headphones and map your route and you’re good to go. 

What is the best piece of training advice you have been given?    

Just keep running! Take the training schedule one day at a time, and take the tough runs one step at a time.  

If you wish to donate towards Clara and Orla’s fundraising for Barrettstown, you can do so below