Leman Solicitors to raise €30k for charity in cross-country race

Thirty lawyers across two competing teams will take part in the cross-country race to raise €25,000 for Paralympics Ireland and €5,000 for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

The firm’s annual charity challenge will see them cycle the 60-kilometre distance between Dublin and Wicklow before scaling 925-metre tall Lugnaquilla and running 15 kilometres to Macreddin Village.

In a show of admiration for Irish Paralympians attending the Paralympic Games in Rio this September - both teams will cycle and run in pairs, with one person in each pair blindfolded.

Larry Fenelon, managing partner at Leman Solicitors, said: “This will be one of the most challenging races which we have embarked on so far. This is the 6th year that Leman Solicitors has organised a charity challenge and in that time we will have raised over €130,000 for amazing charities. Each year the race gets a little more daring.

“The blindfolded element this year requires specialist training from Paralympians and visually impaired athletes alike but the team is very dedicated and it is great to see such enthusiastic participation.

“We really wanted to simulate the experience of our Paralympians, many of whom are visually impaired and to push ourselves to the extreme on their behalf.”

He added: “We are really hoping our clients, individuals, local businesses and suppliers will help us, help them by sponsoring us to reach our €30,000 target.”

Liam Harbison, CEO for Paralympics Ireland, said: “The €25,000 which Leman Solicitors will raise will provide vital and necessary funds for a 45-strong team of athletes on the road to Rio 2016.”

He thanked the firm for “taking on this enormous challenge on our behalf and for making a difference to the lives of our elite athletes who have achieved and succeeded against all the odds”.

John Burke, corporate partnerships manager for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, added: “We thank Larry and his team sincerely for their efforts and wish them the very best on the day.”