IN March last year, Caolán McFadden picked up a pair of running shoes for the first time. One year later, he has set his sights on his first marathon.
“This time last year I couldn’t even run a 5k,” the Meenlaragh man told the Donegal News. And before he knew it, he was hooked.
“Once you start, you aim for a 5k, and then you want to push yourself a wee bit further with a 10k. Before you know it, you’re running half marathons – it’s very addictive.”
In October, Caolán signed up for the Belfast City Marathon and he is currently in the midst of a gruelling training regime throughout the wet and dark winter months, leading up to the big day on May 3.
The 28 year old is working as a tugboat engineer at Belfast Harbour. He works on a fortnightly rotation: two weeks spent in the city, and then two weeks spent at home.
This has allowed him plenty of time off to focus on his training, but also to familiarise himself with the route in Belfast.
When he decided to take on the challenge he told himself it had to be with good reason.
“I said if I was going to do it, then I would like to do it for a cause.”
Caolán who started running last year has his sights set on the Belfast City Marathon.
Caolán chose the Donegal Cancer Flights and Services, a local charity that provides a lifeline for patients availing of treatment in Dublin.
The charity is close to his heart, as back in 2022 he lost a close friend to cancer. Christopher McFadden was only 27 years old at the time.
Caolán spoke of his friend’s brave battle with cancer, which opened his eyes to a reality faced by families across the county.
“Knowing that there is a charity there, not to fix the problem, but to help families and take some of the burden off them.”
The charity has been in the media in recent weeks after it was announced that the Department for Transport proceeded with a new contract for the Donegal to Dublin Public Service Obligation flights.
The new contract removes afternoon flights in favour of a new schedule, which has been widely criticised by cancer care campaigners.
Caolán had met with Mary Coyle, who manages the vital service, before news of the new contract had broken.
He said he was shocked to learn that over 500 people across Donegal rely on the service to attend essential medical appointments.
“The area they are covering is from Malin Head to Donegal Town; it’s a massive area, so they need all the help they can get.”
He was also blown away by Mary’s own hardworking nature and determination.
Caolán said it would be a privilege to raise funds for a charity that brings comfort, support and hope to people across Donegal during incredibly difficult times, while also completing a personal goal of his.
When establishing the online fundraiser just last week, Caolán and Mary set a target of €1,000. He has already raised over €700.
He has been blown away by the support, which he said shows how rural communities rally together.
“In Donegal and small areas like this, everyone is really quick to support a worthy cause.
“With Donegal Cancer Flights and Services, there are so many people who know someone – a friend of a friend, or a family member – who has availed of the service.”
“And nobody knows what’s around the corner. You never know when someone in your own family might need it – God forbid,” he said.
Caolán is delighted that his friend Colm O’Donaghue will be running alongside him. He said having friends who are also interested in running makes it easier and the long-distance training more bearable.
His proud parents will also be in Belfast, cheering him on from the sidelines.
If you would like to support Caolán McFadden you can donate online at https:gofund.me2dcfd752d
