RMHC - FunBody Dublin Marathon
The Fundamental Body is a gym in Trim, well we like to think it's a bit more of a gym, it's a community, it's a place for us to go not only to work out, but to have a laugh, have a chat and take a break from it all....
Everyone has their own agenda, their own goals, their own problems, but some are greater that others.
Some of our members have, unfortunately, had to call upon the amazing service provided by Ronald McDonald House. RMHC is a non-profit organisation that helps seriously ill children and their families in times of need.
They've benefited from the amazing service there providing them with a comforting place to stay while their children have been receiving medical treatment, here's what they had to say about how RMHC helped them out.
Pep -
"You see the collection boxes at the counter every time you go into McDonalds and if you are like I was you have no idea what they are really for or what the money collected goes towards.
If you are unfortunate enough to have a sick child that requires a long term stay in Crumlin Children’s hospital you will be made aware of the Ronald McDonald house that’s situated on the grounds of the hospital. The main house consists of 16 ensuite bedrooms and a living area with 3 kitchenettes. The idea behind the house is that usually when there is a sick child in a family the parents are required to stay in the hospital which means, in the case of a long term stay, they are away from their other children for an extended period of time which is an added stressor in an already very stressful situation, and Ronald McDonald house solves this by providing a sanctuary where whole families can be together as often as possible during this time.
My wife and I lived in Crumlin hospital from January 2015 to April 2016. We spent the first four months living in the parents accommodation in the hospital, children are not allowed stay with parents here so it meant as we cared for our daughter we were away from our two small boys for a very long time only getting to see them for a couple of hours at the weekend and this really started to have a negative impact on them. We got a room in Ronald McDonald house and lived there from May 2015 to April 2016, we even spent Christmas day there. It was the toughest experience of our entire lives but we were all together and that made such a difference and allowed us to look after our daughter and our family at the same time.
You are also living with other families going through similar experiences and as you sit down at the end of the day and have a coffee or tea with them and talk about what you’re going through with someone who understands and can relate this acts as a type of counselling service.
My wife and I often talk about Ronald McDonald house and how it helped save our family by keeping us together we will never be able to truly show our gratitude so whenever we get the chance to raise funds or go back and visit the staff or spend a day cooking meals for the families that live there we don’t let it pass us by without contributing.
So this is where the money in those little boxes goes. It goes to pay for the costs of the house, electricity, the staff that work there keeping the house going, food for the families and all the other stuff that goes with maintaining what is essentially a self-catering hotel. If you have children I hope you never have the need to stay here but no one knows what is around the corner so if you get a chance to support this great charity please take it."
Finbarr -
"Our son Donncha went into Crumlin for open heart surgery in April 2013. During the operation he became very ill and was placed on life support and spent a considerable amount of time in the ICU unit and then on a ward. Even though we only lived an hour away, we didn’t want to leave our sons side so thanks to the nurses in ICU, we got a place in Ronald McDonald House which is in the hospital Grounds. The House is a very special place and it is truly hard to explain how it make parents time spent in Crumlin so much easier. For us, It meant that we could be by Donncha’s side at all times but it also meant that we had somewhere to sleep, shower and eat in comfort while dealing with our sons illness. We took in turns to stay with Donncha at night when he got back onto the ward so when we swapped in the mornings, it was such a comfort to have some where to go and have a shower and a couple of hours sleep.
Not only had you the comforts of home, there were so many other parents who were in the same situation so having them to talk to was also a huge help through such a tough time. The staff in Ronald McDonald are exceptional and give you the space needed but also help you when you are in need which makes it a safe haven where you can deal with your situation and it is also a place where you can bring family who want to visit.
We spent 4 weeks in Ronald McDonald House and we go back every year to cook for the families who are staying there at the time because when we were there, returning families did the same and we loved it.
It is a place that means so much to us, and helped us through the most difficult time."
Michael C -
"When my son was originally diagnosed with epilepsy we had to spend extended time in hospital with him. We were far from home and having a place to stay overnight was great as we could get a night's sleep, be close in case of an emergency and then deal with the days schedule of tests, meetings and events. 
Ronald McDonald house made that easier for us.
A great charity, please support them generously."
So this year, on October the 28th, 10 of us from The Fundamental Body are running the Dublin City Marathon on their behalf.
We're extremely thankful for any donated amount, and we will post photos and videos of our training over the next few weeks and of course the day itself.
Thank you for making a difference!
Aine, Paddy, Eoin, Gordon, Conor, Anna, David, Ciaran, Dave, & Jess
