patrick o hara

15 Ultimate Sporting Challenges in 2015!

Fundraising for Marie Curie
£29,224
raised of £20,000 target
In memory of Bridie O'hara
Marie Curie

Verified by JustGiving

RCN 207994 (England & Wales) and SC038731 (Scotland)
We offer expert care, guidance and support to people living with a terminal illness

Story

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.  The 15 ULTIMATE challenges I have set for myself in 2015 include 2 swimathons (8.5km), both the Belfast and Derry marathons, 5 triathalons, 3 cycle races (225km), the Dublin Half Iron Man and finishing with my first ever Iron Man in Barcelona on 4th October 2015!  The training miles alone for this are almost 4000 miles!

My mum, Bridie, was diagnosed with lung cancer in late 2013.  She was given 3 months to live.  I can't explain the shock and impact this had on my family.   My mum was and to be honest still is, the rock and foundation, from which I try to live my life each day.  She taught me so much and I miss her more than words can say.  I talked to her about everything and anything.  We had a glass of wine together, we went for meals together, we went for walks together and we confided in each other.  I held her hand in Belfast City Hospital as she started her radiotherapy treatment in late 2013.  I can't explain how that felt. The impact this has on so many people, all walks of life and all ages. 

Although my mum was given a prognosis of 3 months she didn't pass away until 10th October 2014, almost a full year later - proving just how tough she was and never complaining once.  In that year, I believe I only seen her shed a tear twice and it broke my heart to see.  She was more concerned about how we would cope than about herself.   It was my mums wishes to die peacefully at home and I am happy to say this was made possible for her by the help of a great circle of friends, family and above all, by the powerful work of Marie Curie.   The Marie Curie nurses came in to our home and provided expert care, guidance and support to my mum and to all our family.  It is only when your family are  faced with a terminal illness do you truly understand and appreciate how Marie Curie helps and makes a difference.  They help people get the most from life, in the time they have left. 

I have set myself this ultimate challenge because I want to give something back to Marie Curie.  Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.  

You can also donate via JustTextGiving , simply text POHA75 followed by £2, £5 or £10 to 70070.  This will automatically update onto this JustGiving page.

1. Cycle Race 70Km (22th March 2015)
2. Omagh Half Marathon (28th March 2015)
3. Swimathon - 5Km (18th April 2015)
4. Cycle Race - 115Km (3rd May 2015)
5. Belfast Marathon - (4th May 2015)
6. Derry Marathon - (31st May 2015)
7. Sprint Triathlon - Camlough - (6th June 2015)
8. Sprint Triathlon - Skerries - (13th June 2015)
9. Olympic Triathlon - Causeway - (20th June 2015)
10. Olympic Triathlon - Swinford - (28th June 2015)
11. Athlone - Swim Race - (18th July 2015)
12. Half Ironman - Dublin (8.5 hours to complete) - (9th August 2015)
13. Cycle Race - 135Km (23rd August 2015)
14. Wicklow - Glendalough Swim Race - 3.5Km (6th September 2015)
15. Ironman Barcelona (17 hours to complete!!) - (4th October 2015)


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About the charity

Marie Curie

Verified by JustGiving

RCN 207994 (England & Wales) and SC038731 (Scotland)
Marie Curie is here for anyone with an illness they’re likely to die from, and those close to them. Whatever the illness, wherever you are, we’re with you to the end. We bring 75 years of experience and leading research to the care we give you at home, in our hospices and over the phone.

Donation summary

Total raised
£29,223.45
+ £987.32 Gift Aid
Online donations
£27,601.45
Offline donations
£1,622.00

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