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Dedicated Jean ready for her marathon battle

Friday, 23 May 2008

Could this dedicated Northside woman be the oldest person to take part in this year’s eagerly awaited Women’s Mini Marathon?
The Dublin based group Friends of the Elderly is currently searching for the oldest registered participant for the mini marathon, which will take place on bank holiday Monday, June 2.
The oldest participant will receive a Certificate of Merit from Marie Hoctor, Minister of State for the Older Person, among other prizes being offered from the voluntary group that works for older people who live alone.
And 74-year-old step-grandmother Jean Mullen, from Donnycarney, is the oldest participant so far to come to the attention of the group.
Jean, a member of an orienteering club, is taking part in the mini marathon for the first time in 12 years as she aims to raise lots of cash for Lymphodema Ireland.
She is a woman with a great belief in community commitment and makes no concession to age.
Speaking to Northside People, Jean said she has been enjoying her preparations for the mini marathon.
“I last walked the mini marathon in 1996 in a time of 120 minutes, so that has given me the incentive to know that I can do it again,” Jean said.
“I have been involved with orienteering for 35 years, but I knew I needed to get fitter so I’m really looking forward to it now.”
However, there is a serious element to June’s participation in the mini-marathon – and that is her association with Lymphodema Ireland.
In 2002, Jean was diagnosed with primary Lymphodema (a form of cancer) in her left leg which was the catalyst for her sterling work in helping raise important issues in relation to the condition.
Established in 1995, Lymphoedema Ireland has campaigned for improved services and standards of care in Ireland for people with the condition.
It has also highlighted the lack of diagnosis, services, treatment and support for people with Lymphoedema, as it aims to provide support and information to patients and their families.
Jean is participating in the mini marathon with two other members of Lymphodema Ireland and all money raised by them will go towards the organisation’s good work.
“One thing that helps people who have Lymphodema is to try and keep fit, so taking part in the mini marathon certainly helps with this,” Jean stated.
“I’m expecting all three of us to start the mini marathon together but we will probably all finish it in different times.”
Meanwhile, Dermot Kirwan, development manager of Friends of the Elderly, said his group was delighted to be rewarding the oldest participant in the mini marathon.
“The Women's Mini Marathon is a celebratory event for women of all ages,” Mr Kirwan said. “We hope that by giving this award to the oldest participant we can encourage more older women to join in each year.”
There are over 40,000 women registered for this year's Dublin Women's Mini Marathon, making it the biggest female running event in the world.

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