Members of the armed forces in some of the world's most volatile regions will join the thousands taking place in the GOAL Mile this Christmas.

The fundraising event will be held on Christmas Day and St Stephen's Day in more than 130 towns and communities across Ireland.

It is the 36th year of the event, which raises tens of thousands of euro per annum for charitable causes across the world.

This year, members of the armed forces in the Golan Heights, Lebanon and Mali will take part.

General Manager of GOAL Celine Fitzgerald said the support the event attracts is extraordinary.

She said the GOAL mile produced more money for charitable last year than the previous year - despite the controversy surrounding the charity's Syrian operations.

"In 2017 we entered our 40th anniversary," she said, referencing the charity's founder John O'Shea.

"The fact is there hasn't been a disaster - man made or natural disaster - in the 40 years we have been here that we haven't responded to."

Participants of the GOAL mile can either walk or run in the events, which details of which are on the charity's website.

Donations can be made on the day, or online at goalglobal.org

Irish Independent