GORTAHORK couple Nora Fitzgerald and Liam Mullan are taking on the challenge of running their first marathon in Chicago for charity on October 13.
Raising vital funds for the Ronald McDonald House of Charities along the way, the pair are now accelerating their training and fundraising efforts as the big day draws closer.
Liam, who has never run a race before, created a robust training plan suited to the couple’s busy work schedule.
Liam began his training in December with his wife Nora joining him in March. Since then, they have been running five times a week, four short runs followed by a longer run on the weekends.
The couple are now reaching 30km on their long runs.
As part of their training, the pair recently ran the Longford Half Marathon.
The couple’s chosen beneficiary is the Ronald McDonald House Charities, as they feel the charity is very tangible and relevant.
The charity provides accommodation and a caring, supportive environment to families whose children are undergoing medical treatment at CHI at Crumlin, including over 370 families from Donegal.
Nora also completed a research project in Crumlin Children’s Hospital as a pharmacy student and understands the impact and benefit of the facility in Ireland.
Liam fondly remembers driving past the hospital when the couple lived in Crumlin, and feels very privileged to be able to raise funds for a global charity with a footprint in Ireland.
Last weekend, the pair attended the annual Ronald McDonald House Charities’ reunion in Oakfield Park, Raphoe, where they were privileged and honoured to meet the Crumlin team and the families and children who’ve stayed in the house.
This Sunday, September 1, the couple are hosting a fundraising coffee morning in the Sean Scoil in Gortahork from 9.30am to 12.30pm.
This event promises to be a lovely social morning with lots of home baked goodies and treats.
Nora and her mother will be very busy, with the help of some friends to make sure everyone is fed and watered.
As a token of their appreciation, Nora and Liam are putting together a hamper for one lucky person, whose name they will draw from a hat to thank all those who support their fundraising efforts.
There will be an opportunity to make a donation on Sunday morning at the event, however, if you would like to donate and can’t attend the coffee morning, please reach out to Nora directly on 0879024888.
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