On the 23rd November 2021 after a very short battle with cancer I said my goodbye to my Dad. The following day I became overwhelmed with everything that had happened over the previous month and the sheer volume of people who attended the funeral. So many people I didn’t know and so many lives he touched. The thing that I continually heard was how much my dad helped people. One person wrote on a memory card:

‘If you need the impossible done…ask Kev’

He was right, Dad did anything he could to help absolutely anyone. I will never have the connections or practical skills he had to leave that impact on the island but I do have his determination (or pigheadedness as my brother would probably say!).

And that is what has led me here, to complete a challenge in memory of Kevin Faragher, my dad. 150 miles between the 1st January and 31st March through walking, swimming and running. Having made a good start I can say that even when it’s only 20 minutes out of my day it’s having a positive impact on my own well being which I know he would be pleased about.

My way of helping is to try and raise some money so the people who are like my dad and help others can continue to do so. I have chosen ‘Heroes on the Water’ for my fundraising effort.

Heroes on the Water is based in Port Soderick and support military veterans, emergency services and their families with physical and mental rehabilitation. This can be through kayaking, fishing, using the gym equipment, having a brew with an old friend or new, having a safe space to talk amongst other things. Our veterans and emergency services are the men and women who we ask to protect us and keep us safe, they too need that safety and support which is what Heroes on the water is all about. Please follow them on facebook or visit their page https://www.heroesonthewater.im P

So in memory of my dad whose heart was always with the military and with supporting others please support me to help give those who have the same outlook as him in wanting to give something back to others.