SHANE’S MARATHON EFFORT FOR CHARITY:
CHARITIES across the country have been hit hard by the near lockdown restrictions but the public is rallying around as best they can to aid cashstrapped good causes.
This weekend will see GAA clubs across Duhallow ‘some together’ to help a host of good causes, following on from local GAA fundraisers already held - and a runner in Mourneabbey has set the bar pretty high in his bid to raise funs for Cyctic Fibrosis Ireland.
Shane Collins from Farran, Mourneabbey, is a father of 4 year old twins and an associate with Arup Consulting Engineers. Shane is a keen runner and was training for the, now postponed, Cork City Marathon on 31st May.
However, since the COVID-19 restrictions he has been getting out for runs within the 2km (now 5km) radius of home both alone and with his young family.
Now, however, to raise awareness and funds for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland he is running two marathons in May. “I ran the first on last Sunday, May 3rd, and the other will be on Sunday May 31st,” said Shane.
“I know this is a particularly challenging time for those with CF and I hope this small effort can raise as much money as possible through my gofundme page, to benefit families who live with Cystic Fibrosis.”
While Shane confined himself to clocking up the 26 miles while staying within 2km of his home on Sunday last he can look forward to a much expanded circuit\s next time out.
“Amongst many others in the cystic fibrosis community my good friend Scott Sorensen and his family have been cocooning since this began to protect his young son, Evan, who has Cystic Fibrosis,” said Shane. “I am not taking for granted the opportunity I have to go out and run even if it is within a 2km radius of my house.
“I am putting this to good use and taking CF Ireland with me every step of the 84km way!”