Curragh Camp troops are rallying behind Down Syndrome for a new midlands centre

Troops at the Curragh Camp are marching to raise vital funds for the Down Syndrome Midlands Centre, due to open soon.

Next Wednesday, the army will rally behind their colleague and Curragh based, Head of Vehicle Mechanics, David Murray. His daughter Leah (6), has a mild form of Down Syndrome. She attends main stream education at Portlaoise. On July 19, the Irish Defense Forces will take on the task of a 52km road run from Portlaoise, Co Laois, to Naas, Co Kildare. For the last part of the 22kilometres, they will pull 16.5tonnes of a Mowag armoured car to raise much needed funds for the new Down Syndrome Centre.

Mr Murray said: "This is a very rare event for the Irish defence forces."

There will be about 200 people involved in the event, including David Murray, wife Linda, his daughters Leah and Meghan, along with his grandson, kicking off from Portlaoise at 9am, on Wednesday next,

It is understood that the Down Syndrome Centre in Portlaoise, located behind the GAA grounds, catering for families all over Co Kildare, and the rest of the midlands, will have a variety of therapy rooms, including occupational therapy.

Mr Murray estimates that the rented property, established by 11 families in the Midlands, could cost up to €75,000 per annum to run.

Arriving in Naas, it is anticipated that between 2pm to 3pm, on Wednesday, July 19, next, an event will be held at Joe Mallon Motors.

https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/11364839_mowag-pull-in-aid-of-down-syndrome-centre-midlands.html