Martin’s 5km a day challenge for cancer
A Drogheda man has set himself the challenge of running 5km a day for the month of June, to raise funds for the oncology unit in the Lourdes hospital.
Sadly, Martin Russell has his own reasons for wanting to raise money for them, as he lost both his mam and aunt to cancer within a month of each other last year.
This charity is very close to my heart as they have helped many friends and family through the years especially my mam and aunt who passed before Christmas,” says Martin, who is a member of Drogheda and District Athletics Club.
“They were so close – it was like having two mammies – and it was heartbreaking to lose them just a month apart last December. They were born in Pearse Park, but even lived beside each other in Rathmullen Park, but they are together again now.”
Martin says he is doing the challenge because he wants to make a difference.
“I’m inspired by the work of North East Cancer Research and Education Trust (NECRET) and wanted to support them by raising money,” he explains. “The more people that know about North East Cancer Research and Education Trust (NECRET), the greater their impact, and they did so much for me and my family when we needed them last year.”
Sadly, this is not the only time he has lost someone close to cancer.
The father of four will always miss his close friend Johnny O’Dea, who died nearly 11 years ago.
“Cancer is hitting a lot of people, but thank God we have this amazing service on our doorstep,” says Martin, dad to running partner Cormac (12), Cillian (7) and twins Adam and Lucy (5).
“My wife Yvonne is a great support to me, and is very busy, looking after the kids while I am working in Tesco and running every evening.”
Martin is over half way into his challenge as we speak, meaning he has already 90km out of the 150km total under his belt.
“I’m finding it okay, and vary the scenery each evening, usually running along the river,” he says.
“People have been so generous so far – I had only put up a total of €350 and I am up to €1,400 already – so a big thank you to everyone, and I look forward to seeing how much I can give to the incredibe staff at the unit at the end of the month.”
Donate to Martin’s challenge on
Everyday Hero – 5km a day for a month.
https://give.everydayhero.com/ ie/5k-a-day-for-a-month?fbclid=IwAR1dV3H0icSQ1bQyz6ok76GBPf9WdrMra6XWh_GOOmQgBgn9IH_ VkVfEkQY