Run for Órla has been officially launched at Scarborough Beach Park, where a Redcliffe family has begun the countdown to a November community event created in memory of their three-year-old daughter Órla.
Scarborough Launch Starts The Journey To November
Una and Eamonn Shealy created Run for Órla after losing their daughter to Pleuropulmonary Blastoma, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer, last November.
Throughout their grief, the Redcliffe residents were surrounded by kindness, generosity and support from their community. That experience became part of the inspiration for an event designed to remember Órla while supporting other children and families facing cancer.
The official launch at Scarborough Beach Park marked the beginning of the lead-up to the inaugural Run for Órla Family Fun Day, which will return to the same park on Sunday, 15 November 2026.
Plans for the launch included Paw Patrol characters, Camp Quality puppet Giggles and Irish dancing. The Paw Patrol connection held particular meaning for the family because Órla had adored the characters.
Remembering The Little Girl Behind Run for Órla
Órla was born on 20 September 2022 and was remembered by her family as a lively and curious child who loved being outdoors.
She enjoyed the warmth of the sun, watching clouds move across the sky and looking at the moon and stars at night. One of her most treasured possessions was a red woolly blanket knitted by Granny, which regularly went with her and brought her comfort.
Her mother also recalled Órla as adventurous and determined, often eager to climb, jump and explore at playgrounds.
Those everyday memories now sit at the centre of Run for Órla, giving the community event a deeply personal connection to the child it honours.
November Run Returns To Scarborough Beach Park
The November event will begin with a 10km run at 6:30am. The course is open to participants aged 12 and over, with entry starting from $55.
A 3km fun run and walk will follow at 8am and is open to all ages, with registration from $30. Participants who want to enter both events will need to register separately.
The course starts at Scarborough Beach Park and follows the Scarborough foreshore along the Redcliffe Peninsula.
Live entertainment will run from 7am until noon, with activities also planned for children and families. Food and refreshments, community stalls, games and space for people to gather are included in the event program.
Race presentations are scheduled for 8:45am, followed by a tribute on stage at 9am and speeches at 9:20am.
Race bibs can be collected from Dolphins HQ in Redcliffe between 3pm and 6pm on Saturday, 14 November, or at the event between 5:30am and 8:15am on Sunday.
Community Support To Help Other Families
All proceeds from Run for Órla will be donated to Camp Quality, which supports children aged up to 15 and their families as they face cancer.
The campaign has set a fundraising target of $50,000, with its fundraising page listing $1,319 raised towards that goal.
For Una and Eamonn, the November event grows directly from the support their family received after Órla’s death, bringing the community back to Scarborough Beach Park to remember their daughter while helping other families facing childhood cancer.
Published 21-August-2026
