The hardest thing has been done. I got the bag! Now it’s just going to be the run on Monday. There should be five of us with a connection to Pádraig running (that I know of). Someone said “it’s all in the mind”, a friend today (a bit younger than myself:) said to me “there also needs to be something in the auld legs”.

Here’s the bag. Got a lift up to the RDS today to collect it and get all worked up about the big day.  I found the map of the new route in there, so I won’t get lost running up the old route up to Phibsborough.

But before Monday, there is another event some really really generous people have organised for Pádraig in Rhode, Co. Offaly.

We met Arthur and his family a bit more than a year ago in Beaumont. Arthur had been struck by a car while walking to a friend’s house in Tullamore, Co. Offaly, and was critically injured. Luckily, he has fully recovered from this terrible accident and he is back studying in his final year at the University of Limerick and playing with his fantastic band, Ruaile Buaile, up to five nights a week.

His aunt is organising a regular fundraiser around Halloween. This year, she and her family have decided to raise funds for Pádraig’s care. Tomorrow evening, the doors of of Killeen’s Lounge in Rhode, Co. Offaly, will open at 9pm for a fantastic fundraising night with music provided by DJ Sarge. There will also be a Kiddies’ disco on 31 October from 2pm-5pm, also in Killeen’s Lounge.

Pádraig continues to make huge efforts to speak and we have been told that there will be another effort to help him with targeted speech therapy. We hope that that will start next week. The doctors are reducing the anti-seizure medication, as they had decided to stop stimulating medication, which could make him more alert. He is still going out onto the roof terrace, although the weather is getting a bit uncomfortable. But there is nothing like getting out of this room that has been his home now for many weeks and months.

Please support Ciara and Donal Earls who are fundraising for Pádraig by running Monday’s marathon.

And please join tomorrow’s big party in Rhode!

 

Thank you to all who are continuing to support Pádraig and us! I would long have given up had it not been for your solidarity!