Sponsorship sought for Sarah Swaine charity run

Family and friends of a Kilcullen teenager who died of cancer are planning a fundraising race in her memory to help a charity which was of great benefit to her, writes Brian Byrne.

Sarah Swaine passed away at the age of 19 on 7 January 2016, following a long battle with the disease. Now her aunt, Carrie Swayne, is leading a 10K Run and 5K Family Walk project to aid the charity CanTeen Ireland.

"CanTeen works with young people who have or have had cancer," she says. "They provided an excellent opportunity for Sarah to meet up in a relaxed and informal setting with other teenagers who are in the same situation as Sarah was. They allowed Sarah and her family to make some special memories. Their work is invaluable."

Carrie and friends are seeking sponsorship from a local business, or combination of businesses, for the cost of the medals and the expenses associated with the Run, estimated at around €1,250. The event, on the second anniversary of Sarah's death, 7 January 2018, will be managed by Pop Up Races.

"Sponsorship would mean that all monies raised from the registration fees would go directly to the charity and not on the cost of the medals," Carrie says.

Sarah has been described as a 'truly amazing person ... whose bravery and courage shows we can face anything'. She was very involved with the Scouting movement from the time she was a small girl.

Anyone wishing to help with sponsorship of the race expenses should contact Carrie on 086 0743259 or Joanne O'Sullivan at Kilcullen Garda Station.