'It's worth every mile': Leitrim Rose to walk over 100km and skydive for charity

Leitrim Rose 2024, Shauna Murtagh from Carrick-on-Shannon, will be taking part in a skydive on June 4 followed by a 120km on the Camino de Santiago beginning on June 9, in solidarity with families of seriously ill children across Ireland. 

This initiative is part of a fundraising campaign for Cliona’s Foundation, a national charity that provides financial support to families caring for a child with a life-limiting illness.

Shauna will be taking the brave step of skydiving with Rose of Tralee 2024 Winner Keely O’Grady and Cork Rose Shauna O’Sullivan.

Following the skydive and the ‘Rose Camino,’ the girls will be hosting Cliona’s inaugural Summer Gala on Friday, July 4 at the Castletroy Park Hotel in Limerick.

Last year The Rose of Tralee International Festival announced a new partnership with Cliona’s Foundation.

READ NEXT: Local Leitrim heritage project awarded over €20,000 in funding

All funds raised through these events will go directly to the charity, helping to ease the non-medical financial burden faced by families – covering costs such as travel, accommodation, and everyday household expenses.

“Cliona’s Foundation is an Irish charity that provides vital financial support to families of seriously ill children,” said Shauna.

“As an Irish person, I believe that we’re the strongest when we look out for one another. It's a part of our culture."

The foundation was set up by Brendan and Terry Ring, following the death of their daughter Cliona in 2006 at the age of 15 from an inoperable brain tumour.

Throughout Cliona’s many hospital treatments, Brendan and Terry witnessed first-hand the severe financial strain faced by families already coping with the emotional trauma of having a seriously ill child.

READ NEXT: Planning permission sought for three new homes in Leitrim town

They were struck by how many families were brought to the brink of financial collapse due to the non-medical costs that quickly added up.

“Cliona’s Foundation does more than provide financial help, it offers hope and support to families who need it the most,” Shauna added.

“That’s why I’m walking 120km and doing a skydive – to stand with those families, to honour their strength, and to help carry even a small part of their burden. If my steps can help to ease just one family’s burden, it’s worth every mile.”

To support the Roses on their Camino challenge, donations can be made through iDonate.

Tickets for the Summer Gala are available here or by emailing katie@clionas.ie.

Shauna O'Sullivan, Keely O'Grady and Shauna Murtagh