Eva O Donovan fundraising for Jack and Jill Children's Foundation

This year, I’m running the Irish Life Dublin Marathon 2026 for a charity that is incredibly close to my heart — the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation. Jack and Jill provide vital home nursing care and support for children with complex medical needs, and intellectual disabilities across Ireland. This support means everything to our family. They help my nephew, Conn, who has an intellectual disability, by providing him with his wonderful nurse, Jenny — who makes an immeasurable difference to Conn’s life and to all of us as a family. By taking on this marathon, I hope to give back in some small way to a foundation that gives so much, every single day. Thank you so much for any support — every step I run is for Conn, and the incredible work of Jack and Jill.

About Jack and Jill Children's Foundation

Jack and Jill is a nationwide charity that funds and provides up to 100 hours per month of in-home nursing care and respite support to families caring for children, up to the age of seven, with severe learning disability often associated with complex medical needs. Typically, these children may be tube fed, oxygen dependent, may not sleep, take seizures, need a lot of medication and require around-the-clock care. Understandably, their parents can be exhausted and need a break, which is where Jack and Jill comes in. Our service operates seven days a week, with no means test, no red tape and no waiting list. Another key part of our service is end-of-life-care for all children up to the age seven, irrespective of diagnosis, empowering parents to take their child home to die at this most difficult time. In 2024, Jack and Jill supported 539 families across Ireland with in-home nursing care and respite support. Today, there are over 400 families under care.

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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