VHI Women's Mini Marathon for Cian's Kennels
Over the past 18 months, we've had great practice in making the most of a 5km limit, so we're putting those skills to use to raise funds for the amazing Cian's Kennels.
Cian's Kennels was set up in memory of 15-year-old Cian Neary, and aims to provide kennel facilities close to the children’s hospital in Dublin in a structured, safe, practical way, free of charge to all qualifying families.
In 2018, a few weeks after Cian was diagnosed with hepatosplenic T cell lymphoma, a golden labrador named Cooper joined the Neary family.
Cian was on various treatments over the next 6 months and because he was spending a lot of time at home, the bond between him and Cooper strengthened. Time spent with Cooper, exercising and training him, became the highlight of his days at home in between hospital stays and treatments.
Cian was about to commence on the road to bone marrow transplant when he became very ill in June 2019 and spent the next 3 months in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin, with the family based at Ronald McDonald House for most of this time.
When in hospital, Cian pined for Cooper. With the support and goodwill of many people and organisations, Cooper was brought to Dublin, to kennels near the hospital. Cian visited Cooper most days, and this had an incredibly positive impact on Cian. Cian remained in hospital and on treatment until the last week of his life, and having Cooper based near the hospital allowed him to enjoy many occasions and outings in Dublin knowing Cooper was safe nearby.
Cian sadly passed away in the early hours of September 23, 2019.
Having experienced first-hand the joy that Cooper brought to everyone during extremely difficult days, Cian's family want to afford others the same opportunity to bring beloved pets closer to sick children and their families.
We would be so grateful for any and all support you can give to this remarkable charity.
Le buíochas,
Áine, Aoífe, Eímear & Máire Carberry
