Melanie McKnight raises more than €3,000 for St Mary’s NS Junior ASD class in support of her niece

Melanie McKnight raises more than €3,000 for St Marys NS Junior ASD class in support of her niece

Limerick woman Melanie McKnight raises funds for St Marys NS Junior ASD class in support of her niece through the 2026 Regeneron Great Limerick Run

Limerick’s Melanie McKnight took on the 2026 Regeneron Great Limerick Run Half Marathon in support of her niece, Clodagh, raising funds for the St Mary’s National School Junior ASD class.

Melanie ran the half-marathon, which took place in May, to support her niece and classmates, raising a total of €3,350, smashing her initial goal of €2,000 to support the class.

Announcing the successful fundraising effort, St Mary’s NS shared the cheque presentation on social media, saying, “Ms Francis’ Class were presented with a cheque by Melanie Mc Knight after completing The Regeneron Half Marathon! Mel raised a fantastic €3,350 for Junior ASD Class resources going forward. We can’t thank Mel enough for her generous donation and huge efforts”

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Melanie’s niece, Clodagh, attends the school’s Junior ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) class, where pupils receive highly specialised support outside of a mainstream classroom setting.

Melanie, a St Mary’s alumnus, said it is incredible to see the positive impact the school has had on pupils and the local community.

She said, “The staff in her class, and wider school community, do a trojan amount of work in creating a safe, supportive space where kids can learn, grow, truly be themselves and make gorgeous friendships. In an ASD class, this work is highly specialised, with the kids receiving support outside a mainstream classroom.

“ASD classes are hugely beneficial for kids with autism – particularly in helping to develop their social, communication and self-regulation skills, which kids carry with them for life.”

Funds raised go towards sensory equipment, calming spaces, specialist learning resources, therapeutic supports and inclusion activities, all of which will directly benefit the children on a daily basis.

Speaking about the motivation for the fundraiser, Melanie shared, “If you’ve been lucky to meet any of my family, lucky you. We’re loud, bold and full of character.

“And that perfectly sums up Clodagh. Niece, daughter, granddaughter and downright messer. She is known for her big heart, infectious laugh and brilliant sense of humour. She reminds me every day to live life the way you want to, not how the world tells you to. And that any problem can be fixed with a little laughter and a hug.”