Westmeath student does 100k charity run at home in aid of FirstLight
Megan Corcoran, a 19-year-old TU Dublin college student from Streamstown, will complete a 100k charity run on a treadmill at her family home this in aid of the national charity FirstLight.
On March 18, 2004, Megan’s three and half-month-old baby brother Jake McCormack-Corcoran died from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, more commonly known as cot death.
Megan said: “FirstLight was there when my family needed support and it is a charity that is close to our hearts; therefore, I wanted to help ensure that FirstLight is there for others when they need the specialist bereavement supports it provides.
“My parents Corrine and Graeme would usually host an annual fundraiser on the May bank holiday. This year it was to be a Mile in Memory Walk in Streamstown village followed by live music and a raffle. However, due to Covid-19, such a community event can’t take place this year.
“Instead, I am doing the 100k treadmill in my back garden and sharing it through social media.”
Megan will give updates on her daily progress on her Instagram account (megancorcoranx) and has set-up a GoFundMe page where people can donate to FirstLight.
Megan said she would encourage those who might be looking at staying healthy during the Covid-19 crisis and wanting to raise funds for good causes from their homes to join her online, and run their own 100ks on treadmills or around their back gardens.
Established in 1976, FirstLight (originally Irish Sudden Infant Death Association) provides crisis intervention and free professional counselling support to parents and families that have experienced the sudden death of a child.
Professional bereavement support services include home visits, one-to-one adult and child therapy, couple counselling, and closed support groups to help families accommodate their grief and move on with their lives.
In 2019 FirstLight supported 142 families across Ireland. During Covid-19, FirstLight’s clinical team is continuing to provide these supports via telephone, online and video conferencing.
Fionnuala Sheehan, CEO of FirstLight, said: “As with many other charities Covid-19 has dramatically affected the fundraising abilities of FirstLight.
“The organisation relies on fundraising for more than half of the monies required annually to deliver its services. We are therefore most grateful to Megan Corcoran, her family, and all who are contributing to this fundraiser.
“The funds raised will directly help support other families who have experienced the sudden loss of their child and help them find their ‘firstlight’.”