Q102 presenter Venetia Quick will be taking on the Dublin City Marathon this weekend, October 30, in memory or her late husband and to raise funds for child mental health.
The radio star is best known for her breakfast show with Aidan Cooney, and this bank holiday weekend she will run 26 miles around Dublin in aid of the charity Jigsaw. This is Venetia's third year taking part in the marathon, and she has raised thousands for the children's charity. This year she has the support of former president Mary McAleese behind her.
The radio host lost her husband, club promoter Martin Thomas, to lung cancer three years ago at the age of 49. Martin's death inspired Venetia to run the marathon.
Read more: Irishman to run Dublin Marathon in memory of 'most selfless' mum
Venetia said: "The first two years after Martin died we ran a Strictly Handbag club night, in honour of his best known club nights from the 90’s, but then because of the pandemic I started taking part in the marathon instead as a way of keeping on raising money. Between the club nights and the last two marathons approximately €10,000 has been raised for his trust for Jigsaw."
All the proceeds go to Jigsaws ‘One Good School’ campaign, which provides accessibility to secondary school students to direct help with any mental health issues they might have. Up to 200 post-primary schools are now part of the programme.
Venetia added: "Jigsaw's One Good School Campaign is even more important to me now, since one of my own kids was diagnosed with ADHD."
Former President Mary McAleese has praised the work that Jigsaw is doing in schools. She said: “When asked by Jigsaw to contribute, it was an easy yes. Mental health and wellbeing play an integral part in our young people’s education.
"Without adequate supports in place, for school and students alike, opportunities to develop, build resilience, create connectedness are lost. Investing in our young people’s mental health and wellbeing in school is proven to be the most cost-effective investment a nation can make to simultaneously improve education and health.
"Jigsaw is a leader in the field, and I’m delighted to play my small part in their big ambition for our young people."
People can donate towards Venetia's JustGiving fund for Jigsaw at this link.
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