The Dara Fitzpatrick Memorial Run at Waterford Airport on Saturday 16th September 2017 was a huge success and showed great community spirit and teamwork. The sell-out event, with 1,000 runners registered, was a really emotional event for many who took part and was a great tribute not only to Dara and the crew of Rescue 116 but all the emergency services.
Speaking at the presentation of their cheque, Roy Johnston, Chairman of South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association (SEMRA) accepting the donation from Kim Leahy, said "I want to thank the DF Run Team and all who took part in the run, on behalf of SEMRA for their very generous donation. We are extremely grateful for your support".
SEMRA is a Mountain Rescue Team that covers the mountains of Co. Waterford and the south east of Ireland. In 2017, SEMRA celebrated its 40th year of voluntary service to the community and responded to 29 mountain rescue incidents.
Ann Marie Queally, Chairperson Touching Hearts said, “We would like to express our warmest thanks to all the amazing runners and volunteers, as well as the DF Run Team for this donation. It was a fantastic event to be part of and we were delighted to take part".
Aidan Power, Waterford Airport Manager said "It was wonderful to have both charities back to the airport to receive their cheques from the DF Run Team; we were delighted to host the run on our runway last September".
The DF Run Team, which is made up of Ray Leahy, Neville Murphy, Kim Leahy and Barry O’Connor said, “It has been a pleasure working with the two charities and helping to raise their profiles and much needed funds. We would like to thank everyone for their support and generosity. We would especially like to thank Waterford Airport, without whose enthusiastic support the event would not have been possible. We would also like to thank our sponsors AIB, Clem Jacob Hire, Cquent.ie, Flahavan’s, Musgrave Marketplace, MacTrans, Fulfil Nutrition, CHC, Chia Bia, Waterford Castle, Fieldmaster and Frontline Audio Visual. We also like give a huge thank you to the Irish Coast Guard, Civil Defence and all the emergency services that supported the run".
