The daughter of a special Donegal woman and mother is getting a team race ready for the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon this Bank Holiday Monday.

Aoife O’Connor (20) a student at Dublin City University, is leading a team of nine women in the race to remember her mother Maeve, whose one-year anniversary will be held this July.

Maeve passed away in the Donegal Hospice after battling bowel cancer. The Dungloe native was just 44 years of age when she died, and is remembered by her husband, Derek O’Connor and three children, Aoife, Anthony and Rory.

The O’Connor family at the 2016 Donegal Relay for Life

Maeve was a much-loved member of Donegal’s culture and arts scene. She worked as a stage manager An Grianán Theatre in Letterkenny and played a valued role in local festivals.

The well-known singer, actor and musician will be fondly remembered and celebrated by Aoife and her team as they run the 10K race on Monday.

Aoife will have the support and encouragement of her team of family and friends this Monday: Triona Sweeney, Danielle Connolly, Lianne Hannigan, Eliza Gallagher, Hannah McWade, Lisa O’Connor, Aideen Cassidy, Louise O’Connor.

“Everywhere that Maeve went she brought positivity, passion, creativity, good humour, big hair and a can-do attitude that lifted spirits and made the darkest of days brighter,” said Aoife.

 

All proceeds from Aoife’s fundraiser will be donated to the Donegal Hospice, who care for her mother in her final days.

“The care and attention given to her during her time in the Donegal Hospice was beyond anything we could have hoped for. To thank the Hospice for how well they cared for her, as well as the work they do every day, we are hoping to raise as much money as we can,” Aoife said.

Aoife and the team have raised more than five time their fundraising target in an online campaign as they have received so much support in the last fortnight. From a target of  €500 to €3,500, Aoife said the generosity has been “unbelievable”.

“A massive thank you to everyone who has donated. This really means the whole world to me and my family, and everyone involved,” Aoife said.

“We would appreciate any donation possible to put towards investing in new equipment, specifically new morphine syringe drivers, so that the Hospice can continue their fantastic work.”

If you would like to donate to Aoife’s ‘Marathon for Maeve’ visit www.gofundme.com/marathonformaeve