Westport AC launches challenge in support of Sunflower Children’s Hospice
The challenge, which runs from Saturday, October 24, to Saturday, October 31, aims to raise funds for the planned children’s hospice in Castlebar.
Westport Athletic Club (Westport AC) is inviting the local community to get moving for a worthy cause as it launches its ‘700 for 700 Community Challenge’ in support of Sunflower Children’s Hospice in Castlebar.
The eight-day initiative, which runs from Saturday, October 24, to Saturday, October 31, 2026, marks a significant milestone for the club, which has reached 700 members, including 520 juvenile athletes.
The challenge will bring together club members, families, friends and the wider community to cover as many kilometres as possible, encouraging people of all ages and abilities to get active while raising funds for the planned children’s hospice.
From the youngest Little Athletics members taking their first laps of the track to juvenile athletes at training, parents enjoying a walk and experienced runners tackling longer distances, everyone is encouraged to take part, with every kilometre contributing to the collective effort.
To build excitement, the club will keep its total distance covered under wraps throughout the eight days, with the final figure set to be revealed at a special Halloween Grand Finale.
The challenge will conclude with a Halloween-themed community celebration at the Westport AC athletics track on Saturday, October 31, from 10:30 am to noon. The event will feature fancy dress, face painting, activities for children, cakes, tea and coffee, with families and supporters invited to join in the festivities, complete some final laps and help boost the overall distance.
All proceeds raised will go towards Sunflower Children’s Hospice, which recently received planning permission for a development set to become the first children’s hospice built outside Dublin. The facility will provide dedicated care and support for children with life-limiting conditions and their families across the western seaboard.
To date, €9 million has been raised towards the €20 million development through community and corporate fundraising, donor support and local initiatives. Construction is expected to begin in January 2027, with the project anticipated to take approximately two years to complete.
The hospice has been designed with input from families who will use the service, alongside clinicians, to ensure the facility meets the practical and therapeutic needs of children and their loved ones. Family feedback has helped shape a number of features, including a canopy over the main entrance, a shower immediately inside the front door and a hydrotherapy pool.
Lisa Clarkin of Westport Athletic Club said reaching the 700-member milestone provided an opportunity to celebrate the club’s growth while supporting an important local cause.
“Reaching 700 members is a fantastic milestone for Westport AC, and we wanted to celebrate it in a way that brings our whole community together and gives something back.
“Our 700 for 700 Challenge is about getting everyone involved, no matter their age or ability. Whether you walk one kilometre, run ten or complete many more, every contribution makes a difference. We are delighted to support Sunflower Children’s Hospice and hope our members, families and the wider Westport community will join us in making this a really special eight days.”
Martina Jennings, CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, welcomed the club’s fundraising initiative and thanked its members and supporters for getting behind the challenge.
“We are delighted that Westport Athletic Club has chosen to support the Sunflower Children’s Hospice through its 700 for 700 Community Challenge. Reaching 700 members is a fantastic achievement, and it is wonderful to see the club marking this milestone by bringing its community together for such an important cause.
“Sunflower Children’s Hospice will provide vital support and care for children with life-limiting conditions and their families across the western seaboard. Community fundraising and awareness are essential in helping us bring this much-needed facility to life, and initiatives like this demonstrate the incredible difference that can be made when people come together. We would like to thank everyone at Westport AC for getting behind the challenge.”
Westport AC is encouraging members of the public to take part in the challenge and join the Halloween Grand Finale as the club aims to turn its 700-member milestone into a meaningful contribution towards the future of children’s hospice care in the west.
For further information on the challenge, see https://www.westportac.ie/. To donate to the Sunflower Children’s Hospice, visit https://sunflowerchildrenshospice.ie/.