Alison O’Connor fundraising for Make-A-Wish Ireland

I’m delighted to share that I am running the Dublin City Marathon 2026 — for something bigger than myself. Make-A-Wish  Ireland has one simple aim – to grant the wishes of children with critical medical conditions, to bring hope, strength and happiness. ​ Make a Wish Ireland has a huge impact on many families including my own, when my sister and best friend Lucy was 8 she was diagnosed with cancer. Lucy was living a perfectly happy childhood and was excelling in school and her world quickly flipped upside down. In 2015 Lucy received her wish from Make A Wish which was to go to Disneyland as a family. This allowed our family to spend much needed time together and create precious memories together, it was the first time in a long time our family had all been together and it was the first time in a long time Lucy was able to back to being Lucy. There are so many families who deserve to create memories that will last forever and any donation could make a difference !⭐️ Doing this is challenging myself but isn’t anything near a challenge that some of the families Make a Wish impacts!

About Make-A-Wish Ireland

Make-A-Wish Ireland has one simple aim – to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions, to bring hope, strength and happiness. Make-A-Wish does not receive any government funding and relies on the generosity of people like you to continue granting wishes. Make-A-Wish Ireland has granted over 3000 wishes since 1992. Every wish is unique and designed by our wish team and volunteers specifically for each child to hold special meaning to them. We can’t overstate the difference a wish can make to a sick child, bringing them strength, happiness and above all hope. These experiences create lasting memories for young people living with life-threatening illnesses and your donation plays an important part in that. We have much to do, with applications for wishes continuing to rise and over 250 children on our waiting list find out more here.

About Irish Life Dublin Marathon 2026 Fundraising Campaign

Run for More Than a Medal — Make Every Mile Matter at the Irish Life Dublin Marathon 2026!
This October, join thousands of runners taking on the Irish Life Dublin Marathon 2026 — not just for the challenge, but for change. Whether you’re chasing a personal goal or running your very first marathon, this is your chance to support a cause close to your heart.
By running and fundraising, you’ll help make a real difference — turning every mile into hope, impact, and purpose.
So lace up, sign up, and run for something that truly matters.
Because when we run together, we help change lives — one step at a time. 

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