Rebecca Egan is taking part in the Dublin Marathon this year for Barretstown. She has both worked and volunteered at camp. We caught up with Rebecca to find out about her motivation for taking on the 26 miles for Barretstown.
I’m from Kells, Co. Meath but have been living abroad for the past year and a half. I work for SeriousFun Children’s Network, and just finished up working with the team in Paris. I first got involved in camp when I worked as an activity leader in Barretstown in 2012. I was hooked fairly quickly and am delighted to be able to volunteer this autumn.
Running
I run for the buzz it gives me afterwards, for the people I meet through it and to lead a healthy lifestyle. I love the freedom of it – all you need is a pair of runners and a road and you’re away. This will be my third marathon.
Barretstown
Barretstown has a very special place in my heart. Through working and volunteering at camp over the past few years, I have seen the impact the programme has on children and their families. I will always remember one little girl saying to me “I have the courage to just be myself now.” This has stayed with me.
There is something about the mixture of the interaction between the cara and the camper, the Therapeutic Recreation programme and the detachment from parents and home that creates the opportunity to build confidence and self-esteem in the children who come to Barretstown. Barretstown always need support from the public, and running the marathon seems to me like a good way of giving back.
If you’d like to join Rebecca and Team Barretstown at this year’s Dublin Marathon you find out how to here
