Carlovians urged to sign up for LauraLynn’s new 24-hour challenge

INDIVIDUALS and organisations across Carlow are being encouraged to register for LauraLynn’s new 24-Hour Challenge, with registrations now open for the fundraising event taking place at the LauraLynn Hospice in Leopardstown, Dublin, on 21 and 22 May.

LauraLynn, Ireland’s only children’s hospice, launched the challenge at the hospice this week, with broadcaster Lorraine Keane, Mayo GAA star Pádraig O’Hora, and LauraLynn nurse Kate Hourigan joining Emily Ahearne and her mother Ann, who attend LauraLynn, to officially open registrations.

The challenge invites supporters to walk, run, cycle or row for a 30-minute slot, with treadmills, bikes, and rowing machines kept in continuous motion for the full 24 hours. Individual participants are encouraged to raise €250 per slot, while companies and groups can sponsor an entire treadmill for the full duration, with a fundraising target of €12,000.

The event is an evolution of LauraLynn’s popular 24-Hour Treadmill Challenge, expanded this year to include more ways to take part. Organisers say the round-the-clock format symbolises the continuous care provided by parents and caregivers to children with life-limiting conditions every day.

Lorraine Keane, a longtime supporter of LauraLynn, said the event holds deep personal significance. “Taking part in the 24-Hour Challenge last year was an amazing experience. Every time I visit LauraLynn, I’m reminded of the incredible care, comfort, and love that fills this place. When you take a 30-minute slot, you’re not just moving - you’re helping ensure that more children and families can continue to receive the specialist care they need.” Mayo GAA player and LauraLynn ambassador Pádraig O’Hora, who is currently preparing for an attempt on Mount Everest, said he was proud to support the cause. “Nothing compares to the strength I see in the children and families supported by LauraLynn. The 24-Hour Challenge is a chance for all of us to step up, do something meaningful, and support a service that needs our help.” Funds raised will go directly towards services provided by LauraLynn, including specialist symptom management, short breaks, emergency and end-of-life care, music and play therapy, psychological support, and bereavement care for families. Care at LauraLynn is provided entirely free of charge to families.

Running the hospice service costs in excess of €11 million annually, with approximately 30% of that coming from statutory funding. The remainder is raised through public fundraising.

In 2025, LauraLynn supported 771 children and their families, with families from all 26 counties linked to its community services.

Those wishing to take part can book a 30-minute slot at www.lauralynn.ie/24-hourchallenge.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​