Duo to 'Strive for 36.5' miles in 24-hour fundraiser for Limerick charity

BRUFF and Knockainey natives Eva Butler and Conor Fitzpatrick will be running 36.5 miles in 24 hours in aid of the Children’s Grief Centre. 

This Saturday, August 3, the duo will each run 1.52 miles on the hour every hour to total up to 36.5 miles. 

These numbers were chosen intentionally by the two to “highlight the fact that grief is 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and there is no escaping it”.

“Eva came to me with the idea of doing a fundraiser and I guess with the competitive nature we both have from playing sport we somehow landed on this idea,” Conor explained.

"With regard to sleep,” Eva added, “I have absolutely no idea how we are going to manage it, it's looking like 20 minute power naps throughout the night!" 

This is a cause that is close to both of their hearts, as they will be running in memory of Conor’s mother Katie Fitzpatrick and Eva’s father Eamon Butler.

The pair say they are “blown away by the support we have received so far. We have such an amazing community around us, they never let us down and it just shows again with this fundraiser. We are always so grateful for everything they do for us”.

Carol Fitz-Gough, fundraising and events coordinator with the Children’s Grief Centre said that the funds raised “will go a really long way in supporting our services and the children and families that come here for support”.

There will be a launch event on the day starting at 12pm. Everyone is welcome to participate by running or walking or simply just cheering them on.

Anyone who wishes to donate can do so on their iDonate page Strive for 36.5, or bring cash to the event on the day.

The pair have so far raised €5,417 of their €6,000 goal, at time of writing.

More information can be found @strivefor36.5 on Instagram.