Brave Laois boy's Christmas Eve walk raises over €9000 for Irish ...
Portlaoise boy Reilly Kinahan has smashed his fundraising target
27 Dec 2024 1:22 PM
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A Laois boy has braved pain to complete a walk that has raised an incredible sum for the Dogs for the Disabled Irish charity.
On Christmas Eve when most kids are only thinking of Santa's arrival, Reilly Kinahan aged 12 from Portlaoise set off on the longest walk of his life, all to help others.
Reilly has Quadroplegic Cerebral Palsy, making walking very difficult. Since he received his stability assistance dog Miller three years ago, he has relearned how to walk without falling, going a little further all the time.
On December 24, he began his longest walk yet in his life, 3km. He started from the Make & Mark in Fairgreen, walking into Portlaoise on the Mountmellick road, turning at the Ballyfin road to loop back to his starting point.
He completed it in 43 minutes and smashed his fundraising target, and the total is still climbing.
His mother Yvonne Curtin told the Leinster Express / Laois Live how it went.
"I am so proud of him. He managed the walk so well. He had support from friends and family and his classmate Daniel. Having Daniel there helped hugely as Reilly didn't notice the pace or the time passing.
"He completed the 3km in 43 minutes which is an outstanding achievement for him. There was plenty of pain and tiredness when we got home but rest and treats and a little massage helped the pain go away.
Their online fundraiser had a target of €2,000 to raise. As of December 27, it stands at €9,300.
"We are delighted with the support received as it will really help other children and adults with mobility issues. Donations are open until the 8th of January and even if nothing more comes through, having raised €9,300 is a massive achievement and I couldn't be prouder," Yvonne said.
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