FUNDRAISER: From right: Eric McDonnell (owner), Ian O'Connell, Josie McDonnell (owner) and Micheal O'Shea (coach at Belief Boutique Gym).

By Sean Moriarty

EXCLUSIVE

A unique festive fundraiser in aid of the Ian O’Connell Trust saw 50 members of the Belief Boutique Gym travel the equivalent of four times the Ring of Kerry – indoors – last Saturday.

Each Christmas the popular town centre gym organises a fundraiser for local charities and this year’s chosen benefactor is in aid of the inspirational Killarney teenager who is confined to a wheelchair following a mountain biking accident two years ago.

Members of the gym took turns – two to three minute stints – on rowing machines, static bikes and skiing machines. During the course of the day an estimated 50 members completed a distance that was equal to going around the Ring of Kerry four times or a total of nearly 720kms.

“Two years on from my accident and they are still people fundraising!” Ian told the Killarney Advertiser. “I am so grateful for the efforts of these people. I called in for about two hours, it was great craic and plenty of music too.”

Co-owner Josie O’Shea was delighted with the turnout on the day.

“The goal was to complete the Ring Of Kerry four times in under three hours. This was achieved in 2hrs 40mins,” she told the Killarney Advertiser. “We had a great turnout of local Killarney people and members. Local businesses sponsored prizes, there was a DJ and festive treats from The Shire. Ian and his family also came in for the event and it was great to have him there.”

The gym has set a target of €2,000 and their efforts, so far, exceeded that target by €100  with more donations expected to come in.