Department of Infrastructure staff have helped to raise more than ?500 for the Special Olympics Isle of Man team.
Anne Dooley, from the Highways Licensing division, organised the fundraising effort by arranging a dress down day and cake sale for colleagues, and then taking on the epic challenge of the Parish Walk.
She completed the gruelling walk on June 23 in 20 hours and 42 minutes, raising ?302 in sponsorship from her fellow Department workers. Anne walked with daughter Caitriona in memory of dedicated athlete Gareth Cowin, who passed away during the Special Olympics World Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea, earlier this year. Caitriona and her friend Gemma Cairney, a close friend of Gareth’s who was also raising money for the Special Olympics squad, were first finishers in the women’s under-21 category.
Gareth, 25, was part of the Floor Hockey team at the South Korea games, and had previously won Gold Medals in both Floor Hockey and Football.
In May, Department staff also raised ?203 with a cake sale and dress down day.
The money will go to the Special Olympics Isle of Man squad, which is preparing for the 2015 World Summer Games in Los Angeles, in Gareth’s memory.
Anne said: “I am so grateful for the fantastic response I have received from the Department of Infrastructure. I would like to thank the Department and all my colleagues for their kind support and donations.”
Minister for Infrastructure David Cretney added: “Gareth was an inspirational athlete, and I am very pleased the Department has been able to help raise money in his memory for the Special Olympics team. I’d like to congratulate Anne, and her daughter, on their efforts and add my thanks to all Department staff who supported the fundraising.”
