‘Never Give Up’ challenge moves online in light of crisis
THE organiser of the Never Give Up fundraising run is following his own advice by moving this year’s fundraiser online in light of the Covid-19 crisis.
It’s been just ten months since Chris Proby from Inch – along with about 500 people – raised more than €19,300 for the Irish Cancer Society through the inaugural 5k and 10k Never Give Up run.
Plans were well under way for this year’s race, which is in aid of the Irish Cancer Society as well as Arklow Cancer Support, when life as we know it got turned upside down by Covid-19.
This year’s race will also mark three years since Chris, an active runner, had a successful bone marrow transplant. He was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma cancer in 2015 after a tumour was found in his leg.
The transplant was a defining moment for the Wexford man. After spending weeks in hospital, he kept telling himself ‘never give up’ and he is now cancer free after making a full recovery.
Chris had to adopt that mindset once again once Covid-19 put a pretty major spanner in the works of this year’s event.
After taking some time to consider what to do, he is now happy to announce that Never Give Up 2020 will go ahead, albeit in a virtual capacity.
Chris is asking that people walk, run or cycle (outdoors or using a treadmill or exercise bike) five or ten kilometres or a half marathon distance within their local area or at home, any time between now and Sunday, July 26.
‘The flexibility will ensure you can complete your challenge conveniently, happily and safely,’ said Chris.
‘While this year will be a virtual challenge only, the 2021 Never Give Up will be back, bigger and better with a host of awesome additions,’ he said.
Unique medals are ready to go and will be posted out to athletes on completion of the challenge. Already more than 200 people have registered to take part.
Anyone interested in joining them can register their interest at www.popupraces.ie by searching ‘Never Give up 5K 10K 2020’ or get in touch via email with their screen-shot and order confirmation number to nevergiveupchrisproby@ gmail.com to register for a sponsorship card and a medal.