Midlands Communities Challenged To Walk 100km For Jack And Jill Families

The challenge will take place over the course of September.

Life Pharmacy, part of the Uniphar Group, is calling on communities across Laois, Offaly and Westmeath to lace up and step out this September in support of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, as its nationwide Walk 100km in September fundraising challenge returns for 2026.

Taking place throughout the month of September, the campaign will see Life Pharmacy teams across the midlands rally staff, customers, families and friends to walk 100km and raise vital funds for Jack and Jill families in their local communities.

This year, the campaign aims to raise €100,000, enough to fund 5,000 hours of in-home nursing care and respite support for families across Ireland. Every €20 raised funds one hour of care, helping Jack and Jill to continue supporting the 13 families currently under its wing in Westmeath, 11 families currently under its wing in Laois and 5 families currently under its wing in Offaly, Jack and Jill have supported 172 families in the region since 1997.

Local Life Pharmacies will be taking part in sponsored walks and fundraising activities throughout September, inviting customers and communities to get involved by walking, donating, or both.

Mairead Reen, Chairperson, Life Pharmacy, said, “At Life Pharmacy, community is at the heart of everything we do, and the Walk 100km challenge is a powerful way for our teams, customers and local communities to come together for families who need support. We are incredibly proud to partner once again with the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation and to help raise vital funds for families in need of support across Ireland.”

Deirdre Walsh, CEO of the Jack and Jill Children's Foundation, said, “We're incredibly proud to launch this year's Walk 100km Challenge alongside our wonderful partners at Life Pharmacy. Together, we've grown this campaign into an inspiring community movement that brings together pharmacy teams, customers, supporters and families across Ireland, all united by one purpose – giving Jack and Jill families the gift of time. I'd like to sincerely thank the entire Life Pharmacy team for their passion, commitment and belief in our mission. As Jack and Jill receives just 20% of its funding from Government, partnerships like this are vital in helping us reach our ambitious fundraising target, which will translate into thousands of precious hours of in-home nursing care and respite support for families. We're especially honoured to have Lesley, Clodagh and their family leading this year's campaign, showing that every step taken and every euro raised can truly change lives."

Dr Ciara Kelly, Newstalk presenter, columnist and campaign ambassador, said, “I’ve long been a firm believer that walking is one of the simplest things we can do for our health, but this September it can also make a real difference for Jack and Jill families across Ireland. The beauty of the Life Pharmacy Walk 100km challenge is that anyone can take part, whether it’s a few kilometres at a time, a walk with friends, or joining your local pharmacy team. Every €20 raised funds one hour of in-home nursing care, so each step has purpose. I’d encourage everyone to get involved, get moving and help turn kilometres into care.”