The Fitton family signed up for the 2025 Echo Women’s Mini Marathon, to support a cause that means a lot to them – the Crann Centre. What followed was an incredible journey that brought together their family, friends, neighbours and supporters, at home and abroad, raising an unbelievable €12,857.
For Marian and Stacey Fitton, Crann has become much more than a support network. Through Crann’s whole-family approach, their family found connection, friendship and opportunities that have supported the whole family.
Their daughter Leah has been attending Crann for several years, building lasting friendships, developing new interests and taking on opportunities that have helped her thrive. Crann has become one of Leah’s favourite places to be.
“When we joined Crann, they became a village of huge importance to us.”
Wanting to give something back, the entire Fitton family rallied behind Crann for the Echo Women’s Mini Marathon in 2025. Family members from across Ireland and abroad got involved, including daughter Clodagh, who completed her own Mini Marathon challenge from Melbourne, Australia. What began as a fundraising effort quickly became a family-wide mission to support an organisation that has made such a difference in their lives.
The challenge carried special significance for Leah. Having overcome significant challenges, she faced the Mini Marathon with the same determination and positivity that inspire everyone around her.
“She is a real warrior”, says Marian.
Despite being in recovery from surgery, Leah was determined to take part. On the day, she completed the event and even triked the final 500 metres to the finish line. As she crossed the line, she was met with huge applause and encouragement from spectators and fellow participants.
“The applause that she got when she went over the line was unbelievable.”
As if the day wasn’t already memorable enough, the family experienced an extraordinary act of kindness before the event even began. While preparing for the Mini Marathon, they were approached by representatives from Right Price Tiles who had heard about Leah’s story and the family’s fundraising efforts. After learning more about Crann and the reason behind their challenge, they made an incredible donation of €5,000.
The generosity shown by the wider community continued throughout the campaign, helping the family exceed all expectations.
“My daughter Leah is the driving force for us.”
Throughout their fundraising journey, the family remained focused on one simple goal: helping other families access the same support they had received.
“We’re all taking part in the mini marathon so that, down the road, other families can avail of Crann’s wonderful services.”
By the end of the campaign, the Fitton family had raised an incredible €12,857. Their generosity, enthusiasm and determination helped make the 2025 Echo Women’s Mini Marathon Crann’s most successful Mini Marathon campaign to date and inspired countless others to support the cause.
At Crann, we provide whole-family support for children, adults and families living with neuro-physical disabilities. By fundraising, the Fitton family has helped ensure more families can access the personalised supports, programmes and opportunities they need to thrive. Their generosity will create a lasting impact for families across Munster.
The Fitton family’s story is a wonderful example of what can happen when gratitude turns into action. Inspired by the support they received, they brought an entire community together and transformed that support into something truly meaningful for other families.
From everyone at Crann, thank you to Leah, Marian, Stacey, Clodagh, Myles, Grace, Emma, Daire and the entire Fitton family for your incredible commitment, fundraising efforts and community spirit.
Been inspired by the fabulous Fittons? Take on the Echo Mini Marathon this September with Crann! Register on the Echo Mini Marathon Registration Page or contact dcoylegarde@cranncentre.ie for more information!
