Two time cancer survivor Sean heads up 50 mile challenge

Drogheda man and two time cancer survivor Seán Ó Riain led the charge during this year’s very successful Moylagh JFK 50 Mile Challenge which took place recently.

More than 770 people from all over Ireland gathered to take part in the event which is now the largest 50 mile challenge in Europe.

The challenge inherits its name from an endurance test first handed down by John F Kennedy to the military to cover 50 miles on foot within 20 hours. This year’s route allowed walkers to take in 50 miles of striking landscape starting in Moylagh (Dromone) Oldcastle and going through counties Cavan and Westmeath. Participants could walk as much or as little of the route as they wanted and food and water stops were provided along the course by volunteers. This is the sixth year of the popular event and Seán, who is originally from Drogheda but now lives in Cavan, was thrilled to kick off the challenge on Saturday, June 10th in support of cancer patients. Last year participants ranged in age from 18 to 70 and over 200 of the 700 participants completed the entire course.

Sean had his first experience with cancer when he was diagnosed with a malignant melanoma at the age of 27. The 57-year-old received his second cancer diagnosis six years ago when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. The illness was diagnosed early and the father of two underwent a radical prostatectomy and has since got the all clear.

Speaking earlier this year, he said: ‘It has been an honour for me to have been involved in the Moylagh 50 Mile Challenge for the last four years. Not only has it given me a chance to contribute to the ongoing and increasingly successful fight against cancer, but most importantly it has also introduced me to a healthy way of life. I have undertaken the challenge 4 times.

‘ The first time I didn’t I didn’t finish it but I was absolutely delighted to have managed to walk 38 miles. The last three times I did it I finished it and each time one hour quicker than the last. The challenge has been an indicator for me as to my ongoing progress in reaching a healthy lifestyle and four years ago, the training and progress was so important to me in gaining confidence again after my operation.’

The challenge has raised over €362K to date, with 80 per cent of funds supporting the work of the Irish Cancer Society, and the remainder supporting the work of LARCC Cancer Support. The final amount raised from the 2017 event will be revealed on 8th July and you can still donate now at https:// www.idonate.ie/50milechallenge