Abbott employees went the extra mile for Down Syndrome Tipperary

Above: Abbott Vascular’s site in Clonmel welcomed the Tipperary Down Syndrome branch for the Run 21 fundraising event organised by employees onsite. Among those lending support were Tipp senior hurling manager Liam Cahill and rugby coach Denis Leamy, the former Munster and Ireland player

Employees at Abbott, a global leader in healthcare, recently completed a 24-hour charity run in support of Down Syndrome Tipperary.

In total 500 volunteers from Abbott Vascular’s site in Clonmel completed a run of at least 21 minutes to raise funds for this worthy cause.

The run, which took place at Abbott’s Clonmel site, was designed so that volunteers would run in relay for 21 minutes, starting at 1pm and finishing 24 hours later.

The 21-minute timeframe was chosen to highlight the extra chromosome - 21- that people who are born with Down Syndrome have.

Over €8,800 has been raised through this charity run that will assist Down Syndrome Tipperary through Meitheal 21, their centre in Thurles. This provides a range of services to support children with Down Syndrome throughout Tipperary.

Rachel O’Regan, the branch administrator of Down Syndrome Tipperary said, “Down Syndrome Tipperary is delighted to be the chosen charity of choice for Abbott’s Clonmel site in 2023. The amazing help from Abbott employees will have a significant impact on the people and families we support, from the youngest babies right up to adults.

“Down Syndrome Tipperary works to provide a local service to help our members live happy and fulfilling lives, making the most out of opportunities that come their way and reaching their potential. Abbott’s support will allow us to develop Meitheal 21 further so that it meets our members’ needs”.

Deirdre Mullins, the site director of Abbott Vascular’s manufacturing facility in Clonmel said, “At Abbott we have a strong sense of community and understand the importance of supporting our neighbours and friends.

“The volunteer team that participated in this 24-hour charity run exemplifies this, and I am extremely proud of our employees for their commitment to Down Syndrome Tipperary.

“We hope that this support will help to further enrich the lives of those living with Down Syndrome in our community”.