There’s likely 100’s of other ways to raise money for a cause but for some reason, long since forgotten, I decided to go with a marathon. I initially signed up for the Dublin Marathon in 2020 but for obvious reasons that and the 2021 marathon didn’t happen. Thankfully all looks good for the 2022 version and I’ll be taking part, albeit in a different age category than originally planned (40+!!). While I am no Kipchoge in terms of pace I am twice the man he is in terms of weight so my finishing time goal isn’t anything spectacular. Getting across the line, before the line is taken away, will do me.

The main reason for doing the marathon is to raise money for Pieta as it is a charity who have helped me and my family on a personal level. In the lead up to the inquest into my brother’s death it became apparent that Niall may have taken his own life. Anybody who knew Niall will know this is something difficult to comprehend as
he was always so full of life and loved to be the centre of attention. When he was in a room you could be sure other people always had a smile on their face.  

Sitting through the evidence was very difficult as it became clear Niall sadly did take his own life. For so long I expected the inquest to be a straightforward process covering a car accident but instead I was left with more questions than answers.  In the months following the inquest trying to make sense of it all was difficult but thankfully Pieta were a great source of comfort for me and my family through their bereavement support.

Any donation will be very much appreciated and will help make a real difference through the various supports offered by Pieta.