Taking place in October, Down Syndrome Ireland’s Purple Run is a month-long challenge
Members of Down Syndrome Ireland and their friends came together to launch Down Syndrome Ireland’s Purple Run.
Taking place in October, Down Syndrome Ireland’s Purple Run is a month-long challenge, which coincides with Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Members of the public are asked to run a marathon (42km) across the month to help raise vital funds.
Launching the campaign are three members of Down Syndrome Ireland, who gained employment through the charity’s National Employment Programme. Sophie O’Connell works in the Clayton Hotel, while Nathan Sako and Darren Breen work in the Grafton Barber. They were joined by Mark Rowe and Amber Mc Allister, their colleagues in Grafton Barber.
Speaking about her role in hospitality, Sophie O’Connell said: “It makes me happy. I really like working in the Clayton Hotel. I love to clean tables and make teas, coffees, and hot chocolates, and give people cakes! I work with lots of nice people, I have loads of friends there. I meet lots of people there who are staying in the hotel. I like talking to them, and I like getting tips so I can go on holidays and buy dresses!”
Nathan Sako, who works in the Grafton Barber, added: “I enjoy being at the barber shop, it’s full of people I know. It’s lots of fun. I really like the customers, especially the kids! I meet lots of kids, they’re so cute! They make me feel like a kid again! If they’re scared or nervous I give them lollipops! It’s amazing!”
Darren Breen added: “I like my work and my friends there. I do the cleaning, I sweep the floor, clean the bathrooms, and I make coffee and tea. It’s great!”
Sign up at purplerun.ie to receive a limited-edition running top and access to the Purple Run online group.
About the Purple Run
Down Syndrome Ireland’s Purple Run is a virtual marathon which takes place across the month of October. You can run, walk or jog your 42km across the 31 days of the month. Take part on your own, in a group or get your community workplace involved. Funds raised via the Purple Run will help support people with Down syndrome across Ireland. This includes our National Employment Programme, which supports adults with Down syndrome in gaining meaningful employment. Because Together We Go Further.