The granny who gives a little more
DUNDALK’S amazing marathon running grandmother, Collette O’Hagan recently presented a cheque to the North Louth Hospice for €3,050 which she raised by completing her 1,000 miles challenge.
The 70 year old, who completed her 728th marathon just before lockdown, explains that her journey of a thousand miles began with the first step.
‘I took that first step in aid of the North Louth Hospice in late April, adapting the words of the Proclaimers song “I will run 500 miles and I will run 500 more just to be the girl who likes to give a little more ‘
‘ The challenge gave me a much needed focus during lockdown as races and marathons were being cancelled on a daily basis . The human body can be very resilient and although I had a background of long distance running this challenge give me the chance to test my resilience and go beyond my comfort zone.’
Collette did her running on a route close to her home, starting with 2km and then 5km as the lockdown restrictions eased and enjoyed the interaction she had with those she met along the way.
She decided to undertake the personal challenge to raise funds for the North Louth Hospice as it’s a cause close to her heart as the volunteer run charity helped her family when husband Larry was receiving treatment for cancer. The charity provides valuable supports to those affected by cancer and their families including transporting people to treatment, specialist equipment to enable patients to return home from hospital to be with their families,
‘Stepping out of our comfort zone can push us to achieve goals we never thought we could,’ she says. ‘I had the time , the motivation the focus and with the support and encouragement of family and friends this help me accomplish my goal .
Collette wishes to say a ‘massive thanks’ to all who donated so generously to the North Louth Hospice.