Greetings everyone,

I'm excited to share that in April 2024, I'll be taking on the Connemara marathon, renowned as one of Ireland's toughest marathons. This will mark my inaugural half-marathon, and I'm determined to make it count by raising funds for two important causes: Down Syndrome Ireland and Irish Motor Neurone Disease, supported by Irish Life and Canada Life staff charities, as well as St Patrick's Mental Health Hospital.

The funds raised will be divided between these charities. It's worth noting that for every euro donated to Irish Staff charities, Irish Life management will generously match the donation. However, this matching does not extend to St Patrick's Mental Hospital.

On a personal level, this marathon presents a significant challenge for me. Last June, I spent ten weeks at St Patrick's Mental Health Hospital where I was diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder. Consequently, the funds allocated to St Patrick's Mental Health Hospital will contribute to research on anxiety. Through my own journey, I've come to appreciate the importance of such initiatives. When I left St Patrick's Mental Hospital in August, even running 3K seemed daunting. Yet, with perseverance, I've managed to build my stamina, now comfortably running distances of up to 18k. Though I initially aimed to complete this marathon in 2023, my diagnosis delayed my plans. However, this year, I feel prepared and eagerly anticipate conquering the Connemara half-marathon.

Any contribution, no matter how small, will be immensely valued by the aforementioned charities. Thank you for your support.

Letter from Irish Life staff Charities

21 February 2024

FUNDRAISING BY MARK MITCHELL

To whom it may concern

Mark Mitchell has informed me of his intention to take part in the Connamarathon on 21 April

2024, to raise money for St Patrick's Mental Health Services and Irish Life Staff Charities.

Each year, Irish Life and Canada Life staff elect two charities to benefit from the fundraising

efforts of staff members. Every euro raised is matched by Irish Life, so both charities can

benefit from the full fundraising effort. Since 1994, we have donated more than €5m.

The charities for 2024 are:

• Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA)

• Down Syndrome Centre North East (DSCNE)

We thank Mark for his support and wish him the best of luck!

------------------------------------

Cormac Donnelly (Treasurer)

BBS QFA RPA APA (Personal General Insurance)

Head of Retail Sales & Partnerships

Letter From St Patrick's Mental Health Hospital.

14 February, 2024

Re: Fundraising by Mark Mitchell

To whom it may concern,

Mark Mitchell has informed us of his intention to take part in Connemarathon on 21 April, 2024, and to raise funds for the anxiety programme at St Patrick's Mental Health Services.

As Ireland's largest independent mental health service provider, St Patrick's Mental Health Services is committed to the provision of the highest quality mental healthcare, the development of new mental health treatment and prevention services, as well as enhancing our current range of specialised programmes.

We thank Mark for his support and wish him the best of luck in Connemarathon.

Detailed information regarding St Patrick's Mental Health Services is available on www.stpatricks.ie.

Kind regards,

Tamara Nolan

Director of Communications and Fundraising