Killeen Castle voucher for top marathon fundraiser

Dear sir- The Osteoporosis Society is asking all participants of the Flora Mini Marathon to consider running or walking for the charity on Monday 4th June. The charity's funding has declined by 70 per cent and it is threatened with closure. There is no other organisation in the Republic of Ireland that deals specifically with osteoporosis, this is why it is essential for the charity to stay open. The person who raises the most amount of money for the charity will win a €1,000 voucher for Killeen Castle. The second runner up will win a signed rugby ball by Brent Pope, third prize will be a voucher from Rainforest Day Spa and fourth runner ups will get a signed copy of 'Bones', the children's book, written by Brent Pope. Bones is aimed at 7-12 year-olds to encourage them eat healthy and to be physically active. Osteoporosis is a disease that manifests itself in childhood. If a child does not build up their maximum bone strength while their bones are growing, will place themselves at a much higher risk of developing osteoporosis. Sponsorship cards and T-shirts are available from the charity. Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease in the world, even though it is preventable and treatable in the majority of people. Unlike many diseases there are no signs or symptoms prior to a fracture. A person will not feel their bones thinning, this is why it is known as the silent disease. Running and walking are excellent forms of weight bearing exercise and the charity is trying to raise awareness of this fact, along with the many risk factors. Many people think that osteoporosis only affects older women, and the only cause is the menopause, however there are over 60 causes of osteoporosis. One in five men and one in two women over 50 will break bones due to osteoporosis, but it also affects all age groups including children. Some €402 million is spent annually just on falls and fractures in senior citizens. The secondary affects of a broken bone are one of the major causes of loss of independence in senior citizens. If you are interested in helping to support the charity by walking or running in the Flora Mini Marathon or have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us at lo-call helpline 1890 252 751; helpline (01) 637 5050 or www.irishosteoporosis.ie. Yours, Dermot O' Dea General manager, Irish Osteoporosis Society, 12 Burlington Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.