Waterford communities urged to lace up and walk 100km this September to help local families

Communities across Waterford are being encouraged to lace up their walking shoes this September for a nationwide challenge in aid of the Jack and Jill Children's Foundation.

The "Walk 100km in September" fundraiser, led locally by Life Pharmacy, is aiming to raise €100,000, enough to provide 5,556 hours of in-home nursing care to families across Ireland, including the nine families currently supported in Waterford.

Local Life Pharmacies will be holding sponsored walks throughout the month and are inviting people to get involved by walking, donating, or both.

"At Life Pharmacy, we've always believed in the strength of community – and this campaign is proof of what we can achieve when we walk together for a common cause," said Mairead Reen, Chairperson of Life Pharmacy. "Whether it's one step or one donation, every action matters."

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Deirdre Walsh, CEO of the Jack and Jill Children's Foundation, said the support will make "a real difference" for the 451 families currently under its care nationwide. "We're incredibly grateful to Life Pharmacy for their continued commitment, and we can't wait to see communities coming together in support of local families throughout September," she said.

Broadcaster Dr Ciara Kelly, who helped launch the campaign, added: "I've always believed in the power of walking – it's free, it's easy, and it's for everyone, no matter your age or fitness level.

"But now, every step you take can do something even more powerful. Let's get Ireland moving, one meaningful step at a time."

Since its founding in 1997, the charity has supported 88 families in Waterford and more than 3,100 nationwide.

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