Kildare teacher running first marathon to raise funds for school outdoor sensory play area
Teacher, Ruth McCabe embarks on first marathon to raise funds for outdoor sensory play area for Scoil Bhride, Milltown
Primary school teacher, Ruth McCabe is taking on her first ever marathon to raise funds for a sensory play area at Scoil Bhride, Milltown.
She has set up an idonate page, which has so far raised over €11,000 of her €20,000 target.
“I'm running my first marathon to raise funds for an inclusive outdoor space for the children in our autism class — a safe place to learn, explore, play and grow. Hello, I’m Ruth and I’m running my first marathon in Dublin on Sunday, October 25, and fundraising wasn’t something I had originally planned to do,” she wrote.
“As I’ve been training, I’ve found myself thinking more and more during those long runs about what a privilege it is to be able to move — to challenge my body, push my limits and experience the joy and connection that movement and the outdoors can bring.
“I work as a primary school teacher in an autism class in Scoil Bhride Milltown, Co. Kildare, with the most wonderful, kind-hearted and inspiring children. Since opening two years ago, we’ve been based in a temporary building with a small, empty outdoor yard space. Although we do our best with the limited resources available, the children in my care deserve better and I would love to be able to provide them with more opportunities to learn, explore, develop and enjoy the outdoors. With purpose built equipment and materials being so expensive, I’m hoping to raise as much as I can to help transform this empty space into an inclusive, sensory-friendly and safe outdoor area where the children can move, run, climb, swing, explore and play.”
Ruth explained; “However, it’s about so much more than movement. Play is learning. Outdoor play creates opportunities for children to develop motor skills, explore their senses, regulate their emotions, build language and social skills and connect with others in ways that work best for them. As nervous as I am about the challenge ahead of me 🏃🏻♀️, I’m determined that running 42.2 kilometres in Dublin City Marathon will have a greater positive impact beyond the finish line for children in our school. If you’re able to donate or share this fundraiser, I’d be so grateful. Every contribution, no matter how small, will bring us one step closer to creating an outdoor space full of opportunities, connection and joy. Thank you so much for your support.”
If you would like to donate, click here