100kmfundswillmake ‘hugeimpact’
THE whopping €1.2million raised by the 100km in 30 days will make a ‘ tremendous impact’ in the search for a cure for breast cancer as well as in the diagnosis and treatment of those affected by the disease in Ireland.
The event, which was organised by Blackrock businessman Niall Carroll after his wife Cara McAdam was diagnosed with breast cancer last December, captured the imagination of the public, not just in Ireland but around the world.
‘It has been a massive success, much bigger than anything I imagined it would be,’ Niall told the Pink Army of walkers, joggers and runners, as he provided the final update on the progress of the 100km in 30 days challenge. He revealed that 1.3million kilometers had been clocked up participants, young and old, during the month of June.
As well as raising money for vital research and diagnostic equipment for breast cancer, Niall said that his aim in organising the challenge was to encourage people to go out and exercise, and he urged them to keep it up, even after the challenge has finished.
‘Keep going, don’t give it up, don’t stop,’ he said.
‘ What really surprised me was how big it has grown and how successful it has been,’ he said, citing some of the amazing achievements, such as Jackie Agnew running 100km in just one day.
But just as important were all the families, the elderly who had emerged from cocooning, and the young children who took part. Members of the Pink Army ranged from five year olds to legendary sports broadcaster Micheal O Muircheartaigh who turns 90 in August.
Cara joined him to say thanks to everyone who took part. She thanked everyone in the village for their support and also her colleagues in De La Salle college who had set up their own league.
‘I have been blown away by all the support.’
Announcing the grand total of €1.2million, Niall said that they had received €70,000 on the last day.
‘It’s amazing, phenomenal. We are blown way by it all.’
The CEO of Breast Cancer Ireland Aisling Hurley thanked Niall and Cara, the community in Blackrock, and the Pink Army for their support saying that they had ‘made a tremendous impact.’
She had been present when they handed over a cheque for €1.2million to Breast Cancer Ireland which will have ‘a huge impact for our race for a cure.’
She outlined how the money would go towards funding ground-breaking and pioneering work by research fellowships and for the purchase of 3D mammograms at the new Breast Cancer Research Unit at Beaumont which is due to open in August 2021.
The JustGiving page for 100km in 30 days for Breast Cancer remains open until July 14 so there is still time to donate.