ALANNA RUSSELL, who has just turned eight this month, died unexpectedly yesterday.
Eight-year-old Alanna Russell from Navan, Co. Meath, who became the youngest ever Dublin Marathon competitor when she completed the challenge with her father back in October, has suddenly passed away.
She became a well known inspirational figure in October when her devoted dad Keith pushed her along the grueling marathon circuit in a wheelchair.
The young girl, who was born with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy which left her with no speech or use of her arms and legs, raised an incredible €64,000 to buy a new mini-bus for the Meadows Respite Centre in Navan.
Keith began running 5k races a few years ago, pushing Alanna through all weathers and terrain. The bond between Alanna and her dad captured the hearts of a nation when they competed in the 26.2 mile trek.
Just a few days ago, Keith and Alanna picked up their framed marathon medals.
Tributes have been pouring in for Alanna on social media.
Navan Athletic Club would like to express our deepest condolences to Keith and the Russell family on the sudden passing of Alanna. Alanna's positive attitude and infectious smile captured the hearts of so many and she will be sadly missed by all in the club.
RIP Alanna x pic.twitter.com/liAbFWQ9G9— Navan AC (@navan_ac) December 14, 2017
It’s with profound sadness that we learned this morning of the sudden passing of Alanna Russell, just weeks after she and Keith completed @dublinmarathon. Keith and Alanna began some of their running journey with us. RIP beautiful angel. #parkrunfamily pic.twitter.com/LNwzsEO5lj
— Navan parkrun (@Navan_parkrun) December 13, 2017
