20/08/2026
Yesterday was a very special day for everyone involved in the 50k at 50 Charity Run for Autism in Donegal, as Mark and Jamie met with the six beneficiaries to officially present the cheques from the fundraiser.
The final total raised was an incredible €77,204.91. When this idea first came about around Christmas, none of us could have imagined the level of support it would receive or just how far it would go.
The money raised will now directly benefit:
- ICARE
- Bluestack Special Needs Foundation
- Letterkenny Autism Support
- St. Bernadette’s
- Little Angels School
- Ballyraine National School
We know this funding will make a huge difference to each of these organisations, schools, children and families. Just as importantly, we hope the fundraiser has helped raise greater awareness and understanding of autism and of the everyday experiences of children and families living with autism throughout Donegal.
There are so many people who helped make this possible.
A massive thank you to our 11 main sponsors, who gave the fundraiser such an incredible start:
- Bonnar Engineering Ltd
- Letterkenny Concrete&quarry Products LTD
- Voodoo Venue Letterkenny
- Kernans
- Boyle Construction
- Benedicts of Belfast
- One Stop Motorshop
- Ashley Martin Shopfitting
- Daytona Heavy Haulage
- Mill Park Hotel
- Letterkenny Glass
Thank you also to Darren Browne at Browne Printers Ltd and Mickey at Signal Signs for all the posters and signage.
To Terence Diver for providing the cars on the day, and to Dennis and Terence for helping coordinate everything.
To Eunan Walsh and Letterkenny Garda Station for their support on the day of the run.
To C&M Embroidery for the fantastic T-shirts.
To Liam at Letterkenny Community Centre for providing the facilities and helping us throughout the day.
To Keith Fletcher for doing a brilliant job as MC.
To Leonard Watson for helping get the fundraiser off the ground and for his continued support.
To Raymond Birch from Letterkenny Athletic Club for his help planning the route.
To Marty Lynch for all the support, training schedules and the huge amount of help getting us around the 50km on the day.
To everyone who helped with running support, transport, refreshments and everything happening back at the finish line. A special thank you to Karol and Ulick for capturing the day through photographs and drone footage.
Thank you to Callaghan’s Burt, Value Centre, Dry Arch Complex and Kernans Group for providing refreshments and facilities along the route.
Thank you to Donegal Daily, Donegal News William Coyle Donegal Media Page, and Marty and Vinny from the V&M Podcast for helping us spread the word.
To Yvonne and Shayna, thank you for the encouragement, patience and support throughout the whole journey. You pushed us the entire way and we simply could not have achieved what we set out to do without you. ❤️
To Aidan Spence and Spence Digital Agency- Web, Graphic and Digital Marketing Consultants— you were there from the very beginning and played a huge part in making all of this happen. From promoting the fundraiser and keeping everyone updated to helping drive donations and awareness, we genuinely could not have done it without you. Thank you for all the time, hard work and effort you put into this.
To our families who came along, helped, supported and encouraged us throughout — thank you. We could never have done this without you.
And, of course, to every single person who donated — thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Whether it was €5, €50, €500 or more, every donation helped us reach this incredible total.
And finally… Jamie.
This all started as what seemed like a slightly mad idea around Christmas when Mark talked about doing something to raise money for autism services in Donegal. With a daughter and three nephews on the autism spectrum, he simply wanted to find a way to give something back.
When Mark first mentioned running 50km, Jamie’s initial response was basically, “You’re mad, sir!” — quickly followed by, “But if you’re doing it, I’m doing it too.”
At just 19 years of age, while also completing his first year of college, Jamie committed himself completely to the challenge. The training, dedication and determination he showed were unbelievable.
Taking on 50km is a massive achievement for anyone, and Jamie should be incredibly proud of himself.
Well done, Jamie. You are a very special young man. 💙
From a simple idea at Christmas to €77,204.91 raised for six incredible beneficiaries, it has been a journey none of us will ever forget.
Thank you, Donegal. 💙
50k at 50 — For Autism Donegal.
