Bettystown man Gerard Fay is a running sensation

LATE last month, Bettystown man, Gerard Fay completed his 400th Marathon.

Now he has firmly set his sights on completing his 500th before the end of 2019.

Gerard is an accomplished marathoner. In 2017 he completed 78 Marathons in the calendar year and this year he has already completed 53 and is heading for over 80.

Aside from the marathons, he also does numerous shorter distance races from 800m to half marathons as his training in during the week and at weekends when there are no marathons on.

He is also planning on doing a 24hr race in Listowel Town Park on the 22/23 September where he is hopeful of doing a minimum of 65 miles in the 24hrs.

The challenge is all part of a spectacular effort to raise more than €50,000 to provide physio equipment in the CF units around the country but also to assist Cystic Fibrosis Ireland with their Exercise Grant Scheme whereby they give a grant to Persons with CF for part funding Gym Memberships or the purchase of home exercise equipment.

All the marathons will be done in Ireland both North and South and there will be a run in at least 20 of the 32 counties in Ireland.

Gerard has already raised more than €125,000 in previous fundraisers to enhance services and improve the quality of life for people with cystic fibrosis. All the expenses of the challenges come from Gerard’s own pocket with 100 per cent of the funds raised going to the cause.

Despite the daunting physical and mental challenge, he has set for himself, Gerard has many very good reasons for doing it.

“Running is well and truly part of my life for the past 21 years and I am proud to wear both the Purple of CF Ireland and the Yellow of the CF Trust UK when I am doing my marathons. I still wear the red of Drogheda & District AC in the shorter races.

‘Running for me is my way of giving back to those with Cystic Fibrosis. These people have given me so much over the years and the running allows me to aid in both the raising of awareness of CF both North and South of Ireland but also through my fundraising to improve the lives of these amazing people. Without them I doubt I would even be running.

‘I have been involved with CF for going on 30 years or maybe more and over that time I have met and become friends with those with CF and when I see what they must go through day in and day out it pushes me to my limits to want to help them.

‘I am not a legend or anyone special, just a person who goes about doing what I enjoy most.’

CF treatments have come a long way in the past 30 years and while for some the treatments are a huge improvement in their daily lives, for others the current medication is not suitable and in the case of those in Northern Ireland and the UK is medication is not available.

Gerard started marathon running in 1998 when we had two marathons in Ireland in Dublin and Belfast. Now with the efforts of the Marathon Club of Ireland, East of Ireland Marathon Series and the East Antrim Marathon Series as well as other athletic clubs around the country, there are over 100 marathons.

“I want to take this opportunity to pay special tribute to all those who have lent their support and really helped with my training and keeping my spirits high—my family, my own athletic club of Drogheda & District AC, as well as the other local Athletic Clubs.

‘I also want to thank all those who have donated in the past and to encourage anyone who is interested in donating to this worthwhile cause to not put it off for another day. Please do it now!” Those with Cystic Fibrosis need their equipment now and I know this equipment helps them with their fitness, lung function and also aids in keeping them out of hospital.’

To follow Gerard Fay’s adventure and to donate now, simply visit https://give.everydayhero.com/ie/500-marathonsOr website www.seeoffcf.com.