LauraLynn, Ireland's Children's Hospice, is thrilled to share the final fundraising total for this year's 24-Hour Challenge - and what a number it is. Thanks to the incredible generosity, determination, and solidarity of its supporters, the 2026 24-Hour Challenge has raised a staggering €205,995.65.
This year's challenge marked an exciting evolution for the event. Now in its third year and growing stronger than ever, the 24-Hour Challenge expanded beyond the treadmill, with supporters walking, running, cycling, and rowing non-stop from 10am on Thursday, 21st May to 10am on Friday, 22nd May - a continuous 24 hours of movement at LauraLynn's campus in Leopardstown. The symbolism at the heart of the challenge remains as powerful as ever: for most LauraLynn families, caring for a child with a life-limiting condition is a round-the-clock commitment - there is no break.
Over 700 people took part this year, making it our biggest 24-Hour Challenge to date.
LauraLynn was delighted to welcome Virgin Media's Ireland AM to the campus, with reporter Deric Hartigan broadcasting live from Leopardstown and helping spread the word to audiences across the country. Familiar and friendly faces also joined on the day, including actor Amy Huberman, Dublin footballer David Byrne, broadcaster and LauraLynn patron Miriam O'Callaghan, and former international footballer Áine O'Gorman.
Some of the stories from this year's challenge were truly extraordinary. Endurance runner and mental health awareness influencer Eoin McGrath ran 180km over 45 hours from his home in Tipperary to LauraLynn. Sarah Gibson marked her son Martin's five-year anniversary surrounded by friends and family, taking on the challenge as a moving tribute. Alex Hassett from Arachas completed a full marathon across all three machines.
Every step taken, every kilometre covered, and every euro raised will go directly towards supporting children with life-limiting conditions and their families - helping LauraLynn provide the vital care and support they need.
LauraLynn extends its gratitude to every individual participant, corporate team, community group, and generous donor who contributed to making the 2026 24-Hour Challenge its most successful yet.
