Whistledown Hotel’s marathon challenge in support of Life & Time charity
A determined team of women from the Mourne area have raised an incredible £25,419.18 for local end-of-life nursing charity, Life & Time, after completing this year’s Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon in Dublin.
Made up of staff from the Whistledown Hotel, alongside family members and friends, the team took on the 10 kilometre challenge to support Life & Time’s out-of-hours nursing service, which provides specialist daily care to patients in their own homes across South Down between 10pm-8am.
The initiative was led by Sarah McAvoy, owner of the Whistledown Hotel, whose family experienced the care and compassion of the Life & Time team during the final chapter of her father Bill’s life.
This marked the third consecutive year that Sarah has brought together the ‘Whistledown Ladies’ to support the charity.
Reflecting on the challenge, Sarah said: “This has become so much more than a run. It has become about women supporting women.
“Women who have experienced loss. Women who have cared for loved ones. Women who understand what it feels like to sit beside a hospital bed, receive difficult news or navigate grief.
“My family will always be grateful for what Life & Time did for my daddy. That is why this is so personal. We wanted other families in our community to receive the same comfort, support and dignity when they need it most.”
In recent months the team trained together before travelling to Dublin, where they completed the Mini Marathon alongside thousands of women from across Ireland.
Their fundraising campaign received overwhelming support from customers, local businesses, family members, friends and the wider community, culminating in the remarkable total of £25,419.18.
Life & Time provides specialist overnight nursing care for people approaching the end of life, allowing many patients to remain in the comfort of their own homes surrounded by those they love.
The charity now operates three nursing teams across South Down, supported by more than 70 nurses and 15 doctors, responding to families throughout the night when needed.
Life & Time founder, Dr Henry McLaughlin, said the achievement was both humbling and inspiring.
“To raise over £25,000 through one community fundraising initiative is simply extraordinary,” he said. “Sarah and every member of the Whistledown team have shown what can be achieved when a community comes together behind a cause that touches so many families.
“These funds will directly support local families receiving end-of-life care in their own homes.
“On behalf of everyone at Life & Time, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Sarah, the entire Whistledown team, everyone who took part and every person who donated.”
Life & Time Nurse Manager Connie Connolly added: “Every night our nurses and doctors provide care and reassurance to families at one of the most difficult times in their lives. Knowing that our community stands behind us in this way means so much to our team. Sarah and the Whistledown ladies have created something very special and we are incredibly grateful for their dedication, compassion and generosity.”
Although completing the Mini Marathon was a significant achievement in itself, Sarah believes the lasting impact goes far beyond crossing the finish line.
“Every pound raised stays here in our community. If sharing our family’s story encourages even one more family to receive the same support we did, then every mile has been worthwhile.”
Life & Time said the charity congratulated the Whistledown team on “this outstanding achievement”.