Race to raise funds for Milltown man with brain injury

Ollie Burke, who is now 37, was carrying out electrical work when he fell – a fall that resulted in an acquired brain injury. The former GAA footballer spent sixteen months in hospital, is still severely incapacitated and requires 24 hour care.

Worse still, there was no insurance in place – so his old friends, led by Gerard Bowens, wanted to do something to help towards the cost of his care; and five years ago they organised the first Run for Ollie in his native Milltown.

This year on Saturday, June 14, hundreds of runners and walkers are expected to take part in the annual 10km – an event that Senator Eamon Coughlan took time out of his busy schedule to help launch recently.

Over 500 people including professional runners, triathlon participants and walkers took part in last year’s run. This year, Ollie’s friends are hoping to increase the numbers and are calling for competitors from across the country to sign-up and compete for this worthy cause.

“The past four years have been so successful and there has been an unbelievable atmosphere with hundreds of competitors coming to Milltown for the run. Even though we’re just a group of friends and not professional event organisers, our previous four events have shown that we run a truly well organised and professional event,” said Gerard Bowens.

“Unfortunately there was no insurance in place to fund Ollie’s care so we need to raise money to look after him. He needs 24 hour supervision and has difficulty doing ordinary tasks. He recognises his family but can’t communicate how he feels.

“Ollie is blind in one eye and has limited use of his left hand. He can walk which is great but he’s unable to leave the house unaccompanied. He has also developed serious epilepsy and is prone to regular seizures. It simply goes without saying that we, and Ollie’s family, need all the help we can get,” he added.

This year’s run will take place on Saturday, June 14, at 3.00pm. Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are welcome.

And every single penny raised from the run goes directly on funding the much needed care and on-going rehabilitation for Ollie, who lives at home with his mother and brother.  Everyone that enters will be included in a draw for many spot prizes that have kindly been donated. Parking, registration, changing and showering facilities are available at Milltown Community Centre and the local GAA pitch.

Participants can register for this year’s run at a cost of €30 at www.runireland.com. Registration will also be open at the community centre, Milltown, on Friday, June 14 (6pm-9pm) or on the Saturday from11am to 2.30pm.

For more information on Ollie’s story and/or to donate to his fund please go tohttp://www.friendsofollie.com