Laois boy and loyal dog set for Christmas Eve charity walk
Reilly and his loyal assistance dog Miller
A PORTLAOISE boy and his loyal assistance dog will set off on a charity walk on Christmas Eve, having already raised over €8,000 for Irish Dogs for the Disabled.
Reilly Kinahan, who has quadriplegic cerebral palsy and autism, will bravely attempt the longest walk of his life on 24 December, when he sets out on a 3km route with his stability assistance dog Miller.
The 12-year-old had a target of €2,000 when the fundraiser began but it reached an amazing total of €8,135 by 22 December, before the walk even began.
Reilly’s proud mother Yvonne Curtin thanked everyone for their incredible generosity, as she unveiled the walk route this weekend.
The group led by Reilly and Miller will leave the Make & Mark in Fairgreen at 10am this Tuesday and will walk up the Mountmellick road, before turning right onto the Ballyfin Road after the GO garage. At the Ballyfin roundabout, they will turn right and return to the finish line at Make & Mark.
Yvonne said: “People are welcome to be on the route or to join us. We just ask that no dogs are brought along, as Miller usually walks with Reilly solo.
We will have a bucket with us on the day, should anyone wish to give a cash donation. We will also be wearing branded charity clothing in their signature purple, so you won't miss us.”
Irish Dogs for the Disabled provided Reilly with the beautiful black Labrador three years ago. Before Miller arrived, Reilly was unable to keep his balance when walking and suffered regular falls. Now the devoted duo walk 1km every day and falls are thankfully rare.
A pupil at the Aoibhneas autism unit in Scoil Bhríde NS, Reilly generously wanted to give something back to the charity that changed his life. Founded in 2007, the charity provides highly trained assistance dogs free of charge to children and adults with physical disabilities.
The iDonate fundraising page ‘Reilly & Miller’s 3km walk for awareness and vital funds’ will remain open until 8 January 2025.
https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/ReillyMillersWalk
