Je ne regrette rien - Six Years of Sanctuary Runners

It is hard to believe that half a dozen years have passed since Sanctuary Runners was first conceived on the roads of West Waterford.

And now, more than ever, the movement's guiding principles of Solidarity, Friendship and Respect with, and to, all are as vital as ever.

Over the years some 15,000 people across Ireland have taken part in an activity as a Sanctuary Runner - some regular runners and walkers, others event runners, we've also had swimmers and hill walkers. It's been an incredible example of how a simple concept, compassionately delivered, can make such a positive societal impact.

It's real, its proactive, its physical, its organic, its healthy, its community-based. It works...and then some.

And we've seen the massive benefits it has had on people - especially on our friends who have come to Ireland from elsewhere seeking safety, sanctuary and a better life. Connections built, friendships formed and lives transformed.

This week we are celebrating our birthday by telling the stories of six of our wonderful members - exceptional people who epitomize what our movement is all about - SEE: Our 6th Birthday! | Sanctuary Runners

First Steps

At the time Sanctuary Runners was born I was flat to the mat in my work as a feature writer and radio reporter.

Though freelance for most of my career I spent many years feature writing for the Irish Independent, the Irish Times and Business Post while also working as a contributor to the RTé Radio 1 Drivetime programme.

I was once nominated for Feature Writer of the Year at the National Journalism Awards and once for Sports Feature of the Year. So my career was developing on a solid upward trajectory. Life was good, manic, but good.

But after returning from a job in Eswatini I felt I needed to find a solution of sorts to a problem I kept noticing - but to that point did little about.

The disconnect in Irish society between those seeking international protection, refugees and the rest of the community was glaring. It troubled me - it still does. Something needed to be done to work as a bridge in communities over which people could cross to get to know each other - to dispel the misconceptions, for humans to be......human.

And so, armed with a desire but little else, I started a movement. My first call was to my dear friend Clare Keogh with whom I'd worked in the Sahara desert and Eswatini on reporting trips to seek her advice. Clare did so much more than just offer advice and before we knew it we were building a movement in Cork which would eventually grow to 40-groups today with plans for many, many more.

It was unchartered water. But I had, and have, a determination to succeed because I understand the need for this initiative, its importance and its impact.

Not just on people coming to Ireland from other countries but on Irish society as a whole - both now and into the future.

Make A Difference

I recall meeting a former colleague following a radio interview I gave a year after I downed tools as a writer.

He asked 'Do you have any regrets about leaving a career you spent almost 20 years building to create this movement?'

For me it was a no-brainer. I was doing what I believe I was put on this planet to do but without my background in media it would have been so much more difficult.

With Clare Keogh's incredible photography on board also we were able to show Ireland a side to people living in Direct Provision which I think was not seen or shared to that point. One of beautiful, proud, strong, clever, unique individuals just getting on with getting on. One of community integration in action, not words or slogans but actual community integration.

And we were able to work with media organizations to tell that story knowing how best to do it - without compromising the people who were being interviewed or photographed.

If I did have one regret it was not doing it sooner.

We have one life and should do everything we can to make it count, to make a positive impact, to improve things for others and for our society.

And over time I have met the most extraordinary people - including our volunteers and organizers in groups across Ireland. I feel stupidly fortunate to know so many sound folk who remind me daily of all the good there is in the world.

Knowing my Limitations

As the years rolled by and the movement grew so too did the challenges. The reality of leading a successful and evolving not-for-profit is that you become involved in almost every facet of the organization.

With four young children at home family life was/is busy and I, to date, have not found the pause button once an idea enters my head.

And, of course, there have been other challenges too - including the impact of the Covid19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, the rise in anti-migrant rhetoric.

Challenges which underline the importance of our work.

I also established the One Town One Voice community singing initiative which I'm now delighted to say has been taken over by the Family Resource Centre National Forum - getting to this point has required lots of hard work too but through my involvement in the Fermoy International Choir I have enjoyed every second and will help to see this initiative develop nationally.

And my wife Catherine and I established Translate Ireland - a company to produce and deliver multilingual video messaging on health and other areas for those in Ireland who speak English not at all or as a second language.

The team at DCU Language Services has taken over that multi-award winning service too and we are so delighted to see it thrive.

But the combination of everything was hard to juggle!

And spreadsheet gazing or strategy development aren't my forte - I prefer to dream big, roll up the sleeves and make things happen. I like to be with people, to listen to people and to learn from people. And then to show others what we're doing.

So at the start of this year I took a little step back from my role as CEO of Sanctuary Runners ..... to prepare for a step forward!

Supported by an exceptional team of individuals and directors I am still very much involved and the organization is in the best of hands.....and I still plan to lead Sanctuary Runners to locations outside of Ireland before too long.

I read recently that an entrepreneur should not spend more than six-years leading the initiative they conceived and so I'm delighted to look to a different role within this wonderful organization.

January was unusual - I spent more time with my children than I have done in years. I ran more, I relaxed gradually with the FOMO lessening by the day.

I quit Twitter! I've watched almost every game in the African Cup of Nations! I leave the radio set on Lyric Fm and started to drink decaffeinated tea!

And I feel more energized. I feel the dream machine clicking back into max power! It's important because innovative ideas rarely spring from an exhausted mind.

And now is a time for social innovation like never before.

The Future

My challenge now is not to repeat the mistakes of the past. To fight the urge sometimes and to pace myself for the future.

But I'm conscious too that our world and society are facing existential challenges now which require all of us to try and find solutions, to learn from the successes and mistakes of others and to lead.

My advice to others who feel change is needed in society is don't just feel frustrated - DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!

And don't just react but try to build for the future.

If you have an idea which will truly benefit society there are so many willing to listen and to help. Don't be afraid to knock down that first domino, to take a risk, to go out on a limb, to jump into the water without any idea how cold or deep it can be.

And then six-years after you do that move down a gear, regroup.....and go again.

But above all else - BE SOUND.

Adopt that approach and I doubt you'll have any regrets either.

To find out more about Sanctuary Runners please visit Sanctuaryrunners.ie