Cancer survivor is taking on marathon-a-week challenge
By Mary Dennehy
A BIRTHDAY message has been sent to a Tallaght grandad, whose family are all “super proud” of him taking on a marathon-a-week challenge after undergoing cancer treatment.
Vincent Duffy is dad to Paula, Lorna, Suzy, Carrieanne and John and grandad to 14 grandchildren, all of whom are cheering him on as he embarks on a 26.2 mile weekly walk.
Vincent on a walk with some of his family in the Bohernabreena reservoir
Raising his family in Kilnamananagh with his late wife Edie, who passed away 17 years ago, Vincent also marked his 70th this month, with his family sending birthday wishes through The Echo.
Daughter Suzy told The Echo how dad Vincent was diagnosed with cancer of the larynx in 2017 and underwent treatment and a lengthy stay in hospital.
However, the cancer returned in 2018, resulting in the dad-of-five requiring surgery to have his voice box removed.
According to Suzy, Vincent was feeling much stronger by the end of 2018, and now, two years down the road, has signed up to walk a marathon each week throughout 2021.
Walking in support of his own mental and physical health, Vincent is also walking in support of children’s charity, the Lauralynn Foundation.
“When the pandemic hit, and given my dad’s medical history, he cocooned”, Suzy said.
“However, he began to feel very isolated and took up walking and soon he was walking every day.
“This was obviously a bit easier during the first lockdown due to the weather being a lot milder so, to keep himself motivated during this lockdown he has joined Ray’s Marathon Challenge and has committed to walking a marathon a week!”
Ray’s Marathon Challenge was inspired by presenter Ray D’Arcy who is encouraging people to walk, jog or run a marathon-a-week during 2021 in aid of LauraLynn.
Only six weeks in and Vincent has already raised €2,285 for the children’s hospice, smashing his goal of €500.
“For our dad to have come out the other side of his illness and to be doing something so positive for himself and for charity, makes all of us super proud of him”, Suzy said.
“To see him taking on this challenge is amazing…and I hope he’s an inspiration to others who may be going through a tough time.
“He was very ill and spent so many months in hospital… but he continued to fight and is now walking a marathon a week and we couldn’t be prouder of him.
“He’s out the other side and taking such a positve view on life.
“We all wish you a very happy birthday dad.”
For further information visit Rays Marathon Challenge, where you can support Vincent in his challenge on the ‘Vino walks a marathon a week’ page on idonate.
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