A West Lothian dad is running a half marathon to support a young girl with a serious condition, raising funds for her ongoing care and therapies.
Ella-Rose is just eight years old and has been diagnosed with Friedreich ataxia. This condition affects her nervous system and makes it hard for her to move. Owen Donoghue, 44, is determined to help her out.
Owen’s son is in the same class as Ella-Rose at Howden St Andrew’s Primary. He’s running the 13-mile race to gather funds for her care. This includes therapies, supplements, and equipment she’ll need as her condition worsens.
Friedreich ataxia is rare, affecting about one in 50,000 people. It causes nerve damage in the spinal cord, which leads to a lack of sensory signals to the brain. Ella-Rose’s parents are hopeful for new treatments that are being tested.
Owen knows the family well. He said, “I’ve known Ella-Rose since she was a wee one. Seeing her struggle is heartbreaking.” He also mentioned that his wife runs a café nearby, which helps them stay connected.
He’s been training hard, but this half-marathon is a big leap for him. Owen has set a goal to raise £4,000 for Ella-Rose. “I’ve done 10Ks before, but this is my first half-marathon,” he shared.
Owen has already raised over £640 and is excited to make a difference. He’s working with a personal trainer to prepare. “I’ll get there,” he said confidently.
The run is on Sunday, May 25, and Owen is ready to give it his all for Ella-Rose. You can support him by donating to his fundraising page online.
