Heroic 8-year-old Oliver Lynch completed his 5k fundraising walk on Friday 3rd July in Ballincollig cheered on by family and friends. He was also joined by newly elected Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Joe Kavanagh and the Lady Mayoress Stephanie Kavanagh, gardaí, members of Cork City Fire Service and the National Ambulance Service’s bike-mounted paramedics and representatives from CUH Charity, Enable Ireland and Dogs for the Disabled. His fundraising walk has raised €37,000 for the three charities.

Oliver has cerebral palsy and epilepsy and unfortunately finds walking very difficult but he can do it, with the aid of his walker. A student of Gaelscoil Uí Riordáin in Ballincollig, he became frustrated that he couldn’t join his twin brother, Reuben, and their big sister, Caoimhe, in their couch-to-5k challenge so he set himself an ambitious exercise target to walk 5,000-metres, by completing 100-metres a day for 50 days in his garden, and up and down the street outside their home. He decided to raise money for those who help him: CUH Charity (Oliver attends his neurologist at CUH for his epilepsy treatment and care), Enable Ireland and Dogs for the Disabled. 
Oliver has received wonderful support for his walk from the public. He also received a personal letter from President Michael D Higgins in recognition of his courage and fundraising and was joined for one of his walks by Nicky Comyn, president of the IRFU and Peter O’Mahony.

“We are just so proud and thankful to everybody — the support has been amazing. It was about getting him moving, getting him strong and it has brought huge benefits to him and we are going to keep going”, Oliver’s mum Alison said. When asked what his plans are now, Oliver said: “I plan to take over the world.”

Hugging his son at the finish line on Friday, Oliver’s dad Kevin said: “We are just lost for words. He started a hero and finished a champion, an absolute superhero.”

Huge thanks to the inspiring and brave Oliver and to his mum Alison, dad Kevin, sister Caoimhe and Oliver’s twin Reuben and to everyone who donated and supported them.