Wicklow runners take on Debra Ireland mountain challenge
Wicklow runners have braved one of Ireland’s toughest mountain races to help raise money for people battling the rare and very painful skin condition EB, also known as butterfly skin.
Daniel Kavanagh from Ashford and Rose Griffin from Hollywood, Co Wicklow were among the 600 runners who joined broadcaster Ray D’Arcy in the Debra Ireland Wicklow Mountain Challenge recently.
Debra Ireland supports people living with EB (epidermolysis bullosa), an incredibly painful skin condition that causes the skin layers and internal body linings to blister and wound at the slightest touch.
Runners sporting their Debra Ireland butterfly tattoos chose either a 10.7km route or a half-marathon with long-time Debra supporter Ray D’Arcy opting for the latter.
‘Debra Ireland is a great cause and I’ve enjoyed doing their Wicklow Challenge for a number of years now,’ said Ray. ‘Even though the forecast was terrible, for some reason that little window of three hours every year seems to be glorious. While this year wasn’t glorious, despite a forecast of hail, rain and wind, the sun did get through the clouds a few times,’ he added.