A PAIR OF Irish charities in London have joined forces to host a fundraising fun run on Clapham Common this autumn.
Mind Yourself and the Irish in Britain organisation came together this month to launch the All Ireland Run for your County, which takes place in October.
The event, in its second year, will raise vital funds to support both charities by asking ‘Irish people and those with an affinity to Ireland to run for the honour of their county of choice, be that County Limerick or County London’ the partners claim.
With registration for the run now open, Irish in Britain CEO Jennie McShannon told The Irish Post: “It’s a great way to meet up with friends from home, make new friends and do something fun and positive for the community.”
Mind Yourself Director Claire Barry added: “Last year was a huge success, with participants all saying they enjoyed the lead up to the race and of course the bragging rights afterwards.
“This year we are excited to grow the run to more than 500 registered runners draped in all their county colours competing for the honour of an All-Ireland title.”
The event is supported by London-based Mount Anvil property developers.
The charities announced their plans from the firm’s most recent residential development, The Eagle in Old Street, on Thursday, August 14. Mount Anvil acquired the site from NAMA in September 2012.
Corkman Darragh Hurley, Mount Anvil Sales Manager, said: "Mount Anvil has been creating homes and communities in London for 23 years. We’re delighted to be partnering with Mind Yourself and Irish in Britain to support this event, which will raise vital funds to support the Irish community in London."
Registration is now open for the All Ireland Run for your County, which takes place on October 26 on Clapham Common. Register at www.innovationsports.co.uk/races/allirelandrun2014
Participants can opt for a 2km child track and 5 and 10km adult runs.
All proceeds will be split equally between the Mental Health Programme run by Mind Yourself, supporting Irish people in and around London; and Irish in Britain’s Cuimhne memory loss campaign which seeks to tackle the lack of care and support for older Irish with memory loss and their carers across Britain.