Cork athlete Derval O’Rourke helps launch the RNLI Reindeer Run to help save lives at sea

Back Row L-R: Erik Brooks Youghal RNLI, Eolan Walsh Ballycotton RNLI, Terence Morrissey Helvick RNLI, Kieran Coniry Crosshaven RNLI Seamus Mason Youghal RNLI and Vincent Fleming Crosshaven RNLI
Front Row L-R: Sarah Fleming (4yrs) Crosshaven, Athlete Derval O’Rourke and Saoirse Breathnach (7yrs) Ballycotton launch the RNLI Reindeer Run which is being held on Sunday 23 November at Fota House and Gardens in Cork. Register now at rnli.org/reindeer

Well known Cork athlete Derval O’Rourke has joined forces with RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew and their children, to help launch the RNLI Reindeer Run, which raises funds for the charity that saves lives at sea. The popular event encourages people to have fun while supporting the RNLI in their work and this year it will be held on Sunday 23 November at Fota House and Gardens, Carrigtwohill in Cork with a 1km Santa Saunter and 5km and 10km routes for runners and walkers.
Speaking at the launch World and European Medallist and three time Olympian Derval O’Rourke said, `I can’t think of a better way to support the RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews than taking part in the Fota RNLI Reindeer Run. Coming from Cork I know first-hand the incredible work the volunteer RNLI lifeboat crews do and I’d urge people to show their support, sign up, get in some exercise and raise funds for this wonderful charity. So many people are taking up exercise and these events are a great way to get healthy.’

Derval was joined by volunteer lifeboat crewmembers Eolan Walsh from Ballycotton RNLI, Vincent Fleming and Kieran Coniry from Crosshaven RNLI, Terence Morrissey from Helvick Head RNLI and Erik Brooks and Seamus Mason from Youghal RNLI. Eolan and Vincent’s young daughters Saoirse (7yrs) and Sarah (4yrs) also joined their dads for the launch and gave their backing to the Santa Saunter, which is aimed at younger participants.

Crosshaven RNLI volunteer lifeboat crewmember Vincent Fleming said, `The RNLI has been very busy this year and the demand for our services sees us helping many people off our coast and on inland waters. Events like the Reindeer Run are not only great for people to get involved in and have fun but they are also a way for us to raise awareness of the work of the lifeboat crews.’

Helvick Head RNLI volunteer crewmember Terence Morrissey added, `This summer the lifeboat crew in Helvick Head named our new Atlantic 85 lifeboat and that lifeboat will go on to save many lives. Funds raised by the charity through the RNLI Reindeer run go to train and equip the volunteer lifeboat crews in Ireland. Volunteer lifeboat crew are trained and ready to launch at any hour of any day, all year round, to respond to calls for help at sea and I am proud to be one of them.’

The Fota House event is followed a week later by the Dublin RNLI Reindeer Run in Marlay Park on Sunday 30 November. Author Teena Gates will be starting the Dublin fun runs.

This September the RNLI opened its 45th lifeboat station in Union Hall and last year RNLI lifeboats in Ireland launched 1,087 times and brought 1,278 people to safety, 157 of those were young people under the age of 18.

Registration is now open at rnli.org/reindeer or email Fotareindeer@rnli.org.uk and costs €10 for the Santa Saunter and €20 for the 5km and 10km. All participants in the 5km and 10km events receive a limited edition RNLI Reindeer Run t-shirt, a pair of antlers and a medal on finishing.