Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon has encouraged everyone to Go An Extra Mile for Ireland’s children’s hospitals.

On The Hard Shoulder this evening, the Dublin Central TD joined Kieran Cuddihy for a run around Phoenix Park as part of Newstalk’s Go An Extra Mile campaign to raise funds for Ireland’s children’s hospitals.

He told Kieran that he is an avid runner – taking to the streets five or six times a week and running a half marathon at least once every two weeks.

“The older you get, that little bit of space to yourself becomes really important and running is the only place my phone doesn’t ring,” he said.

“I love nothing more than my food and a couple of pints so if I didn’t run, I am not sure where I would be.”

Go an Extra Mile

He said the staff in Ireland’s children’s hospitals make them a “sanctuary” for sick children.

“When you go in there, it is just a place where everyone is made to feel really welcome,” he said.

“The doctors, nurses, the porters, the cleaners – they work in the hardest conditions, but they make it a sanctuary for the children in there. They do the most invaluable work and any support we can give them we should absolutely go that extra mile in order to do so.”

Children's Hospital

He said the new National Children’s Hospital will be a huge step forward for the health system – regardless of its skyrocketing cost.

“A children’s hospital’s location is important but what is most important is that we get a building suitable for the purpose intended – which is to provide the best absolute care to our children when they are sick and when they need it,” he said.

“That’s the most important thing we can do. This issue needs to be depoliticised as much as possible. Just get our children’s hospital built and make it as comfortable as possible.

You can register now to join the Go An Extra Mile 5km group run on October 16th in Morton Stadium, Santry.

You can also donate to Go An Extra Mile here or start your own fundraising here.