Drive is on in Limerick to support baby Sophie

ATHEA Vintage Club in Limerick will donate funds from their annual road run to a charity in Dublin which is looking after one of their own.

It takes place this Sunday, September 3.

Registration begins at 11am for vintage cars and modern / vintage tractors.

A junior run, featuring go karts, bikes and trikes, begins at noon.

Athea Vintage Club will proudly welcome All-Star hurler Aaron Gillane on the day but the number one VIP in Athea is Sophie Mulligan.

A club spokesperson said the townland of Dirreen was overjoyed with the arrival of Sophie Mulligan, daughter to Melissa and Alan on August 2, 2022,

“Sophie was born in Limerick Maternity and spent the first two weeks of her life in the ICU. Sophie was then transferred to Children’s Health Ireland in Crumlin Hospital on August 16. She was born with Pierre Robin Sequence which caused Sophie to have breathing difficulties. As a result, Sophie required a tracheostomy so that she could breathe.

“Over the past 12 months Sophie has had many ups and downs and has overcome so many obstacles during her recovery. It has been a long road for Sophie, her parents, her grandparents in Athea and West Cork and her aunts, and uncles who are all so eager to welcome Sophie home to Dirreen for the very first time,” said the spokesperson.

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Melissa and Alan have moved to Dublin to stay by their beautiful baby girl’s side.

“This would not have been possible without the help of Ronald McDonald House - without this charity they would not have been able to stay close to Sophie over the last 12 months.

“They have described it as being a safe and comfortable home from home, meals prepared daily for them and most of all providing a caring and supportive environment,” said the spokesperson.

Funds raised from Athea Vintage Club’s event will be divided between Ronald McDonald House and Mid-West Parkinson's Association.

“The service they provide to people locally is one that cannot be taken for granted, as it provides not just information for families, but it helps people to interact, chat and spend time with others who are dealing with Parkinson’s,” they say.

Tickets available from committee and on Sunday for lots of prizes including vouchers for Longcourt House Hotel, AG Sports, hampers, and more.

See Athea Vintage Club & Road Run Facebook page for more.