Tipperary teacher to run marathon this weekend for special charity
Annmarie Bergin will run the Dublin Marathon this weekend to raise money for Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland
Coláiste Mhuire Co-Ed Deputy Principal Annmarie Bergin is due to run the Dublin City Marathon to raise funds for Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland this weekend.
The school says that since Chacha joined their school through Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland, they have witnessed first-hand the extraordinary difference an assistance dog can make.
Now, inspired by Chacha’s impact, Deputy Principal Annmarie Bergin is taking on her first-ever Dublin City Marathon on October 25 to raise funds for the organisation.
Chacha works closely with students experiencing anxiety, bringing comfort and calm to the whole school community.
One student has shared that having Chacha in the school makes it easier for her to come in every day.
It is a simple but powerful reminder of how feeling safe and supported can transform a young person’s experience of school.
Chacha may not be much help with French or Algebra, but he teaches students and staff something far more important: the value of connection, comfort and belonging.
The school says he is so much more than a school therapy dog. He is a reassuring presence who grounds us all and brings our community together.
For Annmarie, this is reason enough to give something back to AADI.
Having never run a marathon before, she has dedicated hundreds of hours to training for the gruelling 42-kilometre challenge.
Injuries and setbacks have tested her determination, but her motivation remains firmly rooted in the difference Chacha makes every day.
“AADI has given Coláiste Mhuire Co-Ed so much more than a school dog. Chacha brings comfort, helps ground us and makes people feel part of a community. When training gets tough, I think about what he brings to our school and why I want to give something back,” says Annmarie.
Annmarie has already raised over €1,400, with all funds going directly to Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland to support its vital work with children, young people and families.
At Coláiste Mhuire Co-Ed, they see the magic of that work every day.
Now, every step Annmarie takes in Dublin is an opportunity to help AADI bring that same comfort, connection and support to more families.