Lace Up for Lola – Let's lace up, step out and do it for Lola.

We’re a group of friends coming together on behalf of our dear friends Julie and Cian McSweeny, and their beautiful little girl, Lola.

Lola is two years old, bright, brave, full of laughter, and full of life. She also happens to have cerebral palsy.

Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition that affects movement, balance, and coordination. It’s caused by damage to the developing brain, often before or shortly after birth. In Lola’s case, it happened during birth.

There’s no cure, but early and intensive intervention can make an incredible difference in a child’s life. With the right therapies and equipment, children like Lola can gain independence, strength, and mobility that might otherwise never be possible.

Sadly, access to these vital supports in Ireland is deeply limited.

The public system is overstretched, under-resourced, and inconsistent especially for families living outside major cities. Like many parents across the country, Julie and Cian have been told to “wait” months or even years for services that Lola urgently needs now.

For Lola, waiting simply isn’t an option.

So we’re stepping up literally to help give her the support she deserves.

Lace Up for Lola – The Challenge

On Saturday April 18th, 2026, we’ll come together, friends, family, and supporters in Killarney, Co. Kerry, to hike Torc Waterfall Trail for Lola.

Our goal is to raise €50,000 to fund:

-Intensive private physiotherapy and occupational therapy sessions

-Specialist mobility and sensory equipment

-Early intervention and developmental programmes

-Travel and accommodation for treatment abroad if needed

Every euro raised will go directly towards helping Lola move, play, and explore the world around her, just like every little girl should.

How You Can Help

-Donate whatever you can, every contribution, big or small, makes a real difference.

-Share this campaign with your friends, family, and community.

-Join us for the Lace Up for Lola hike, walk with us and help us reach our goal! (spaces are limited so please contact the organisers)

What This Means

Lola has already shown more strength and spirit than most of us could imagine. She’s faced challenges no child should have to but she meets each one with a smile that lights up every room. She inspires us daily to do better, to be better, and to help her take her next steps.

Your generosity will help Lola get the treatment and opportunities she needs, and deserves to thrive.

From all of us and on behalf of Julie, Cian, and our little Queen Lola we would like to thank you for being part of Team Lola.

Your kindness, support, and belief in her future mean more than words can say.

“With every lace we tie and every path we climb, we lift Lola a little higher.”

#LaceUpForLola #TeamLola #DoItForLola