Garda Ken rows to new heights for sick children

My name is Ken Mc Donald and I’m a Garda training instructor at the Templemore Garda Training College in Thurles.

Last year I met the founder of the Share a Dream Foundation Shay Kinsella and to say I was blown away by the amazing work being done by the charity for seriously ill and disabled children all over Ireland for the last 27yrs is an understatement.

Not only so Share a Dream make dreams come true for children fighting terrible life threatening illnesses they have built the magical indoor very first ever all- inclusive Fun Centre called Dreamland. Dreamland allows disabled children for the first time ever play alongside their able bodied siblings and friends so for their parents it’s a dream come true. All of this work without receiving any government funding and solely relying on the goodwill of the community.

BREAK IN: So, when the charity suffered two major break-ins last year to Dreamland causing thousands of euros worth of damages I decided that I must do something to raise much needed funds for repairs and to make dreams come true for terminally ill children while raising more national awareness that the charity deserves.

FUNDRAISING CHALLENGE: Rowing is my passion and I have been so fortunate in my career to have broken the World indoor record over 1000m last November at the Provincial rowing Championships,; won the Rhine marathon in Germany in a men’s coxed quad, won two Gold medals at the World Masters rowing championships in Budapest Hungary and the list goes on. So, whatever I decided to do it had to be associated with rowing. So, after witnessing the amazing courage and determination that the children endure daily to find some quality in life I decided I would challenge myself to the limit for Share a Dream.

CARRAUNTOOHILL: On the 28th of March I will be attempting to carry my rowing machine (weighing 26kgs/4stone) up Carrauntoohill plus row 10km when I reach the top before descending. My aim is to raise €30,000 for the Share a Dream Foundation to rectify the damages they suffered after the break ins and so that they can continue making dreams come true for very sick children.

SPONSORSHIP: Will you join me in raising funds for Share a Dream. You can register for a sponsorship pack by filling out the form at the bottom of this page. In your local gym or workplace – a sponsored cycle on stationery bike or rowing machine, a sponsored head shave/beard shave or why not get out with the kids and go for a walk or a climb in your local area. Support Ken in raising funds for Share a Dream and challenge yourself in any event no matter how small. You can also donate online at https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/11382942_kenneth-mc-donald-s-page.html.

REGISTER FOR SPONSORSHIP PACK