A Killybegs man will run the Dublin Marathon later this month in memory of his mother who died of cancer at a young age.
Killybegs native Bernard Byrne will take on the challenge to remember his mum, Mary, who passed away from cancer at just 42 years of age, when Bernard was only seven.
He has already raised over €8,000 for Donegal Hospice, and he’s hoping there’s still more to come.
Although now living in Perth, Australia, Bernard’s roots remain firmly in Killybegs, where he grew up and where his family still has strong ties.
Losing his mum at such a young age has stayed with Bernard throughout his life and taking on the 42.2km marathon is his way of honouring her memory while raising money for a charity that does incredible work for families across Donegal.
The response so far has been fantastic, with friends, family and supporters both at home and abroad helping Bernard raise more than €8,000.
“The support has been unbelievable, and I genuinely can’t thank everyone enough. Losing my mum when I was so young is something that has always stayed with me, so being able to do something positive in her memory means a lot.
“To have raised over €8,000 already is brilliant, but with less than two weeks to go, I’d love to see how much further we can push it. Every donation, big or small, really does make a difference.”
Bernard will also have two very special supporters cheering him on from afar, his daughters Ada and Sienna, who will be following his progress from Australia. Now a dad himself, losing his own mum at just seven years old, makes this challenge all the more meaningful, and he hopes to make his girls proud along the way.
Approaching
With the marathon fast approaching, Bernard is hoping the people of Donegal will get behind him for one final fundraising push.
For Bernard, crossing the finish line will mean more than completing 42.2km. It will be a chance to honour his mum’s memory while giving something back to a cause that supports families across Donegal.
And knowing he has the support of family, friends and well-wishers both near and far will certainly help him through those final few kilometres.
Anyone wishing to support Bernard and help increase his fundraising total can donate here.