Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Tommy in the running for wee Oscar’s fund
Fellow Celtic fan’s 6 races to raise cash
A CELTIC fan took on his sixth run of the year yesterday to help raise money for the Oscar Knox Fund.
Tommy Meely, 44, took on the Morun in Glasgow as part of an ongoing series of races dedicated to the memory of his “wee pal”.
He first became involved in fundraising in 2012 when his love of Celtic Football Club brought him into contact with tragic Oscar’s parents Stephen and Leona.
The Hoops-mad two-year-old, from Mallusk, Co Antrim, was diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma – a rare and aggressive childhood cancer – in November 2011.
His fight against the disease captured the hearts of a nation and a high-profile campaign managed to raise £250,000 for treatment in the US.
Oscar successfully received the treatment, eventually beating the odds and getting the all-clear from cancer in April 2013.
Sadly, the disease returned and Oscar lost his brave battle in May 2014, aged just five.
Glasgow man Tommy said: “I first met Stephen around 2012 when he came over to Scotland – at that stage the family were trying to raise money to go to America.
“I was lucky enough to meet him and get speaking with the family. So it was really the Celtic connection that brought us together.
“Later, the family was selling Oscar Knox wristbands to raise money and I spoke to Stephen and asked him to send me some over.
“I think he thought we would sell 40 or 50, but we ended up giving out almost 500 in a few hours at Celtic Park.”
Since the child’s death, his family and supporters have continued the fight against the disease, establishing the Oscar Knox Fund with charity Solving Kid’s Cancer.
Tommy has been running races for the charity for the past few years, but he admitted training this year had been more difficult.
He added: “I lost my mother quite suddenly in February.
“But the fact I’m doing this for such a good cause spurred me on.”
Starting the year with the Great Edinburgh Run in April, Tommy took on the Belfast Marathon in May and the Glasgow Halfmarathon in October.
His Just Giving page, on which Tommy dedicates his efforts to his “wee pal Oscar”, has to date raised £2,790 – beating its £2,000 goal.
And he said the response from the public has been overwhelming.
Tommy, who runs in a kilt, added: “It’s brilliant. Over the years they supported the cause. We also got firms from Northern Ireland and Scotland to sponsor me.
“I’m pencilling in runs for next year, so hopefully we can keep this going.”
To donate to the Just Giving fund, visit www.justgiving.com/ theoscarknoxfundskc.
YESTERDAY GLASGOW