Deputies English and Twomey with Robyn Macken from the Barnardos fundraising team.

Fine Gael Meath TD Damien English, along with Deputy Liam Twomey, were presented with t-shirts by Barnardos to wear when they run the Dublin Marathon later this month. Both TDs have decided to use the marathon as an opportunity to raise money for Barnardos, Ireland's leading independent children's charity. They will also be using the opportunity to encourage people to vote Yes in the Children's Referendum on November 10th.

Deputy English said: 'It's vital that everyone gets out to vote on Saturday November 10th to help support families and protect vulnerable children. We're using the marathon to raise awareness about the importance of the Referendum. Following the long tradition of using the marathon to raise funds for charities it's also a great opportunity for us to raise money for Barnardos and the work they do.

Deputy Twomey added: 'With the marathon taking place just two weeks before the Children's Referendum, it's a great chance for us to remind people to get out to cast their vote and play their part in helping to protect vulnerable children. We also wanted to take the opportunity to raise some money for a good cause, and Barnardos was an obvious choice given that child welfare is so high on the agenda'.

Orla Tighe, Barnardos Fundraising Manager said: 'We are delighted that the Deputies have chosen to support the work we do at Barnardos. We hope that knowing they are making a difference to the lives of 6,300 children throughout Ireland will make every mile they run, a little easier'.