Life Pharmacy challenges Mayo communities to walk 100km this September

Life Pharmacy, part of the Uniphar Group, is calling on communities across Mayo to lace up and step out this September in support of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation as the nationwide fundraising walk returns.

Taking place throughout the month of September, the campaign will see Life Pharmacy teams across Mayo rally staff, customers, families and friends to walk 100km and raise vital funds for Jack and Jill families in their local communities.

This year, the campaign aims to raise €100,000, enough to fund 5,000 hours of in-home nursing care and respite support for families across Ireland. Every €20 raised funds one hour of care, helping Jack and Jill to continue supporting the 14 families currently under its wing in Mayo. Jack and Jill have supported 112 families in the county since 1997.

Local Life Pharmacies will be taking part in sponsored walks and fundraising activities throughout September, inviting customers and communities to get involved by walking, donating, or both.

Mairead Reen, Chairperson, Life Pharmacy, said: “At Life Pharmacy, community is at the heart of everything we do, and the walk 100km challenge is a powerful way for our teams, customers and local communities to come together for families who need support. We are incredibly proud to partner once again with the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation and to help raise vital funds for families in need of support across Ireland.”

Dr. Ciara Kelly, Newstalk presenter, columnist and campaign ambassador, said: “I’ve long been a firm believer that walking is one of the simplest things we can do for our health, but this September it can also make a real difference for Jack and Jill families across Ireland. The beauty of the Life Pharmacy Walk 100km challenge is that anyone can take part, whether it’s a few kilometres at a time, a walk with friends, or joining your local pharmacy team. Every €20 raised funds one hour of in-home nursing care, so each step has purpose. I’d encourage everyone to get involved, get moving and help turn kilometres into care.”

Since its foundation, the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation has provided vital support to families across Ireland, funding and delivering in-home nursing care, respite support and advocacy for children with severe learning disability often associated with complex medical needs.

Today, Jack and Jill supports 14 families across Mayo, giving parents and carers the gift of time, whether that is time to rest, attend appointments or simply take a much-needed break.

To register for the challenge or to make a donation, visit here.