Former RTE newsreader Eileen Dunne is set to take part in this year's VHI Women's Mini Marathon next month to raised much needed funds for a hospice.
The 65-year-old Dublin native retired after 42 years of service with RTE in November, 2022. At the time, the Nine O'Clock News presenter signed off from her final broadcast saying: "It's been an honour and a privilege ...see you on the other side."
Now Eileen is set to walk in this year's Mini Marathon on June 4 in aid of St Francis's Hospice in Blanchardstown. Over the years the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon and its legion of hospice supporters have raised of €1.4million of vital funding for St. Francis Hospice, and this year to maintain its palliative care services it needs to raise €4.5million.
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Thousands of women will take part in the 10k road race on the June Bank Holiday weekend. Since its inception in 1983, over 1.1 million women have taken part in the marathon.
Eileen took part in the first ever Women's Mini Marathon in 1983, and this year she's walking it. She said: “I am delighted to participate in the Women’s Mini Marathon on behalf of St Francis Hospice Dublin.
"I would like encourage as many people as possible to join with me to raise funds for the vital care necessary for some of the most vulnerable and precious people within our society who are need of St Francis Hospice.”
Eileen is also urging those who can't take part in the Marathon to call the hospice on 01-8327535 / 01-8294000 or go online www.sfh.ie and make a donation. "No matter how big or small, it will all help."
CEO of St Francis Hospice Fintan Fagan said: “I’m very grateful to have Eileen’s support again this year for the Women’s Mini Marathon which continues, through our dedicated supporters, to raise much needed funds for St Francis Hospice.”
St Francis Hospice which is located in Raheny and Blanchardstown, provides specialist palliative services at no cost to the nearly 700,000 people who live in north Dublin and the surrounding counties. In 2022, they provided palliative care services to 1,932 patients and their families.
This care is provided in people’s homes or nursing homes, in our hospice in-patient units, and in their outpatient/day services settings. They also provide bereavement support for family members.
For more information and to register for this year's mini marathon visit www.vhiwomensminimarathon.ie.
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VHI Women's Mini Marathon 2023: How to register, location, and everything you need to know
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