Limerick girl set to lace up to fetch funds for animal welfare groups

AT JUST eleven-years-old, Murroe local Haliee Guerin is set to take part in the Cook Mini Marathon in aid of Limerick Animal Welfare and Animal Haven Ireland in Castleisland.

The marathon will take place on October 7 and as well as raising funds Hallie will take part to raise awareness for children's mental health.

Hallie's mum Andrea said; “This year, especially the last six months have been quite difficult for her and after much deliberation she decided another challenge was needed this year.”

Last October, Hallie was named Limerick Person of The Month for walking the distance between her home in Murroe to Dublin Zoo.

As well as doing this to raise awareness for anxiety and mental health challenges in children, last year all funds (€2,000) were donated to Limerick Animal Welfare and the Children's Ark in University Hospital Limerick.

Walk this way: Hailee is latest Limerick Person of the Month

Andrea said; “This year is similar to last year, her mental health has not been the best and her anxiety was getting the best of her recently. She is older and more aware of how she is feeling and she said ‘I think I need to do something’. We saw the marathon and knew that was what she needed. Hallie and her dad Ian and her older brother Alex will all take part in the day.”

Hallie was diagnosed with selective mutism and Andrea reflects; “Hallie was diagnosed with selective mutism and it can take her a while to come out of her little bubble. It was great to put a name to what was going on as if she is nervous or uncomfortable. I can tell people how I feel and how she might feel from judging the situation but I can never know how she really feels.”

Those who wish to donate to the fundraiser will be entered into a raffle automatically as a gift of gratitude and appreciation on behalf of the family.

Many businesses have stepped forward to donate prizes of which some include afternoon tea for two in the Castle Oaks House Hotel in Castleconnell, a voucher for The SpitJack restaurant in the city as well as many more amazing prizes on offer.

Andrea said; “People have been phenomenally generous, it has been amazing”.

To donate, visit Hailee's Walk for Charity 2023 on idonate.ie.