Patrick to run eight marathons for Cancer Support Group
By Aideen O'Flaherty
RUNNING a single marathon is no mean feat, but one local man is planning to run eight marathons – four of which will be on consecutive days – to raise funds for the Tallaght Cancer Support Group, reports Aideen O'Flaherty.
Patrick Thompson (37), who is originally from Killinarden and now lives in Clondalkin, first started running in 2014 using a Couch to 5K programme, and since then has run several marathons and is hoping to use his running prowess to raise funds for TCSG, where he recently started volunteering.
Patrick Thompson will run eight marathons for the Cancer Support Group
Patrick’s eight marathon challenge, which will take place all over the country, will begin on March 18 with the Kerry’s Eye Tralee Marathon and will end with the SEE Airticity Dublin City Marathon in October.
Patrick told The Echo: “I volunteer looking after the spreadsheets and accounts for TCSG, and I see the facilities they have for people.
“Their work has really hit home for me because I lost someone to cancer recently.”
The runner, who said that he “never does anything by halves”, will be undertaking the Donegal Quadrathon Challenge in August where he will run four marathons on consecutive days, and hopes to raise €5,000 for the support group by the end of this year.
Patrick added: “My wife was a bit nervous [when she saw the number of marathons that I signed up for], but she sees that I have the determination to get through it.
Push myself
“I’m going to push myself, it can be done.”
When asked what he hopes the money he raises will be used for, Patrick said: “I’m looking at some of the things that are already available for people in the support group, like meditation, yoga and counselling, and I’m hoping the money will make sure that those things can keep going.
“They do so much good work, and I don’t think there’s many people who can say that they haven’t been affected by cancer.”
Donations can be made to Patrick’s donation page online, at https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/11367149_8-marathons-in-8-months-for-tallaght-cancer-support.html
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