Derval takes it in her stride for charity

Olympic sprinter Derval O’Rourke cleared an unusual set of hurdles to encourage people to help one of her favourite charities.

The Cork athlete, who is patron of the Cork University Hospital (CUH) Charity, jumped over hospital staff to encourage people to take part in the Cork City Marathon and raise funds for the charity’s intensive care unit (ICU) appeal.

The ICU provides care for patients with life-threatening illnesses resulting from trauma, infection and cardiac arrest.

It delivers the most advanced forms of life-support to patients from all over Munster.

The ICU appeal aims to refurbish the ward’s visitor area to create a private area for family discussions.

Dr Dorothy Breen, a consultant in the intensive care unit, said they are delighted to have Derval’s backing.

“With events such as the Cork City Marathon, we are hoping the public will assist us in reaching our fundraising goals,” she said.

The CUH charity was set up in 2012 to raise funds for services and facilities for every department in the hospital.

So far, about 60 people have signed up to run the marathon on Jun 3 for the ICU appeal.

To join the appeal’s marathon team and receive your sponsorship pack email [e-mail] or find more details on its Facebook page, ICU RUN for LIFE. Donations, meanwhile, at www.mycharity.ie/ event/icurunforlife.

* Marathon details at www.corkcitymarathon.ie.