By Michelle Crawley
LILLIPUT was the place to be last Saturday, 23 August, as many local families and friends of people with autism joined occupational therapist, Denzil Jacobs, as he ran a marathon to raise €25,000 to help children with autism.
Denzil, who is based in Saplings School for Children with Autism in Graiguecullen in Carlow, is currently in the middle of a 12 marathons in 12 days challenge, with the fifth day taking place just outside Mullingar. It is an extreme challenge, but in Denzil’s own words “people living with autism face their own marathon every day of their lives,” said Denzil.
To help him on the challenge, which sees him complete a marathon in every county in Leinster over 12 days, local athletes such as Michael Murphy (Kilbeggan), and Gerry Duffy (Mullingar’s Deca-Iron Distance Triathlon champion) took part in the local leg of the charity challenge.
Speaking to Topic this week, race director, Michael Murphy, an Athletics Ireland coach based in Kilbeggan, said he was thrilled to see so many local people turn out and take part in the event, some of whom completed the entire marathon alongside Denzil, and others who took on a half-marathon or joined in for a 10k loop. “The course was four 10k loops similar to the loop we use for the Caroline Kearney Triathlon each year. We did this to allow people of all fitness levels to take part. It was great as they would join in just as Denzil was completing a loop, so it gave him a real lift.”
Also giving Denzil a big lift on the day was Gerry Duffy (the man who ran 32 marathons in 32 days), who was one of Denzil’s biggest motivators. “Gerry being there gave Denzil a big boost. He was thrilled Gerry could come along and run alongside him,” remarked Michael. Commenting online, Gerry Duffy stated that; “it was a privilege to run as part of the 12 marathons in 12 days adventure where Denzil Jacobs is endeavouring to run them all. [It is a] fantastic cause behind his motivation.”
PROCEEDS
The proceeds of the marathons, including the event which took place at Lilliput Adventure Centre on Saturday, will be split evenly between the national charity, Irish Autism Action (IAA), which is based in Multyfarnham, and Saplings, Graiguecullen. All money raised will be used to fund early intervention diagnosis which is so critical, one to one support, purchase of communication aids such as tablets and specialised equipment for sensory rooms.
Niall Murphy of Irish Autism Action, based in Multyfarnham, said; “We are thrilled in the current climate that there are people like Denzil who want to take on a major challenge in aid of Irish Autism Action. What Denzil is doing is absolutely fantastic. He is an occupational therapist and is well aware of the challenges families of children with autism experience every day. They really do experience marathons every day and that is why Denzil decided to take on this major personal challenge. He is an inspirational individual, and we here at Irish Autism Action are indebted to him”
“It was a lovely and scenic course and we had a wonderful day. It went down very well. Denzil completed the marathon in 3 hours 47 minutes, which is an excellent time. He beat that time in Longford on Sunday when he crossed over the finish line in 3 hours 32 minutes. He is running exceptionally well,” added Niall.
Speaking of the difference Irish Autism Action makes to families locally, Sheelagh McCann-Hunt, from Mullingar, said; “The IAA stepped into our lives at a time of crisis where our day to day living had been taken over by the severe behaviours of our then four-year-old son, Donnacha, who has autism. With their support, we implemented a structured home and school plan. With a busy family and work life, with 4 children between the ages 1-14, IAA’s input and support was invaluable. It quite simply transformed our chaos into the more normal family life we craved. It is rare to receive anything in life without the expectation of anything in return, let alone with the professional and supportive manner in which the IAA delivered it. We can’t express our gratitude enough.”
THE RUNNING
CONTINUES…..
Denzil is still running the great race towards reaching his fundraising objective, running in Meath on Wednesday of this week, Dublin on Thursday, Laois on Friday and Offaly on Saturday. As the final finish line approaches, there is no doubt that Denzil is looking forward to a well-earned rest after he completes marathon number 12 in Tullamore this coming weekend, on Saturday, 30 August, when he completes two legs of the Tullamore Half Marathon.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
If you would like to support Denzil’s ‘12 in 12 Challenge’ why not get those running shoes out and take part in one of the marathons taking place during the week, or make a text donation of just €4 to Irish Autism Action by texting ‘APRIL’ to 50300.
100% of text costs go to Irish Autism Action across most network providers. Some providers apply VAT which means that a minimum of €3.26 will go to Irish Autism Action. Service Provider: LIKECHARITY. Helpline 01 4433890. For more information check out: http://www.denzils12in12.ie/donate.
