Shane draws inspiration from the endurance of others

EVERY day since setting off from San Francisco on March 29, Annascaul athlete, Shane Finn sets his mind and his body to a demanding and physical task in his quest to run and cycle alternate days for 36 days until he completes 5,000km and reaches New York.

His aim is to raise money for Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland, the organisation that has created a community around the condition and provides activity breaks, a resource centre and family support to those affected. According to SBHI, Ireland has one of the highest incidences of Spina Bifida births in the world, with one in every 1,000 children affected.

As an ambassador for SBHI, Shane has given voice to the aims and wishes of people living with the condition. In the blog on his website a different person is profiled each day and they include people such as Jamie McCarthy whose dream is to “reach his full potential and enjoy life to the best of his ability”. Hannah Landy’s dream is to attain “my own job, independence and to live a full life”.

For Jamie, Hannah and many others with Spina Bifida, Shane is a source of inspiration. Take for example the words of Jamie Lafery, who is aiming to complete the Northwest 10k this May. He said of Shane: “He has made everyone think anything is possible if you work hard enough for it.”

This week Shane reached the halfway mark, having completed a climb and descent of the Rockies and is now in Kansas on course to reach New York on May 3. He has raised €40,024 so far and is pushing on to raise €250,000 for SBHI. This amount will allow them to continue to provide essential services to people who daily manage the demands of the condition.

To donate go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/americanultra or text GIVE to 50300 to donate €4