The fundraiser that could double up as a long-term money saver for the Irish healthcare system
Dublin’s Mater Hospital has set a tricky challenge for participants in its latest fundraising bid.
There aren’t many fundraisers that double-up as long-term money savers - but the Mater Hospital’s 100 Miles in a Month can make such a claim.
The aim is to raise at least €120,000 for the Mater’s life-changing and life-saving cardiac care - so that the hospital can continue to purchase key equipment.
But as Mater Foundation Communications Officer Tom Grace points out, by walking, jogging or running 100 miles in February, you can improve your own heart health.
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And this is good news for the Irish healthcare system long into the future, as regular exercise is key to keeping you out of places like the Mater’s Cardiology Department later in life.
“We might have some genetic challenges that we come up against, but the more people look after their heart health or are aware of their need to get exercise, the less likely there is to be pressure on the health service,” Grace told Fitter Happier.
“Of course, that is always going to be there. But the less pressure there is, the more likely people who need it will be treated effectively.
“If we can improve heart health through this, it will improve the overall outcome, which is the heart health situation as a whole.”
The Mater’s 100 Miles in a Month fundraiser began in 2018 and has become a key pillar in the public hospital’s bid to bring in much-needed cash to fund critical services.
At the time of writing, more than 1,300 people had joined the Facebook group (100 Miles Feb 25 - The Mater Hospital Foundation) - after registering here.
There, they are given a simple step-by-step guide on how to set up their own fundraising page and register for a free t-shirt and tracker.
Using the tracker, you can upload your progress in February - and claim an attractive medal once you hit the 100-mile mark and raise at least €50.
“This is a great opportunity to focus on your own cardiac and mental health, to get out in the fresh air and, as the days get a tiny bit brighter, embrace jogging and walking,” Grace added.
“We have a lot of people who walk this or who do a combination of walking and jogging.
“It’s all about embracing your heart health and trying to make yourself as fit as possible for the year ahead, while at the same time supporting patients who are going through cardiac challenges in the hospital.
“You are not only supporting the patients, but you are supporting the staff in the hospital and the families of those patients who are desperate for them to get better.
“It’s a very positive experience.”
This hugely popular fundraising challenge can be done in your own time and at your own pace - albeit during the shortest month of the year.
“Knowing us, we would pick the shortest month of the year to do the miles,” Grace said.
It has become almost part of the challenge - you have 28 days to get there. Everyone makes the best effort possible.
“I’d be hoping the weather eases a little bit from the frost and the snow we’ve been having lately.”
With temperatures set to rise at the weekend, participants are urged to get some practice in before the end of the month.
“We always recommend to those, regardless of whether they are walking, jogging or running, to start to get in the miles in January as preparation,” said Grace.
Among the Facebook group members are several returning runners, who post their training runs and offer advice to newcomers.
The last two 100 Miles in a Month fundraisers have brought around €150,000 each to the Mater, allowing the hospital to purchase crucial equipment and develop initiatives such as family rooms.
This isn’t the only exercise-related event taking place this year to bring money into the Mater Hospital.
The Aer Arann Islands Half Marathon weekend takes place on Inis Mór from April 11 to 13, with the hospital partnering up again with the race.
Funds raised there will support patient care in the Mater Public Hospital.
For full details of all ticket types and fundraising commitments, check out eventmaster.ie.
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