Radio presenter Venetia Quick will be taking on the Dublin City Marathon this weekend in memory or her late husband and to raise funds for child mental health.
The Q102 star, who hosts the station's early morning Breakfast show with Aidan Cooney, is ditching her dancing shoes for runners to take on the 26 mile slog with thousands of others on Sunday (Oct 30).
And she has the support of former president Mary McAleese while doing so.
It will be the third year in a row that Venetia has taken on the marathon, having run the last two virtually, while raising thousands of euro for children’s mental health charity Jigsaw.
The radio host lost her husband, club promoter Martin Thomas, to lung cancer three years ago at the age of 49, initiating her fundraising drive.
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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