My name is John, I’m 50 years old and I’m from Ireland. I work as a residential childcare worker with Tusla, Ireland’s Child and Family Agency, a role that I feel incredibly proud of. Supporting children and young people, helping them grow, develop and believe in themselves is something that is very close to my heart.

Around 10 years ago, I started running, and since then it has become a huge part of my life. Running has taught me the importance of commitment, resilience and perseverance, and it has shown me that with determination, we can achieve things we once thought were beyond us.

Over the last four years, I have completed 100 marathons, an achievement that has required dedication, training and mental strength. Along the way, I have discovered the incredible community that exists within running and the satisfaction that comes from setting yourself a challenge and seeing it through.

I am also proud to be a marathon pacer, helping other runners achieve their goals by supporting them through races and encouraging them to reach targets they may once have thought were out of reach. Being able to share my experience and help others succeed is one of the things I enjoy most about running.

I am now taking on the Brathay 10 in 10 challenge, running 10 marathons in 10 consecutive days to raise money for the Brathay Trust and the fantastic work they do supporting children and young people.

I chose the Brathay Trust because its work connects strongly with my own career and values. Every day, I see how important encouragement, support and positive opportunities are in helping children and young people build confidence and reach their potential.

The Brathay Trust creates experiences that inspire children and young people to make positive changes that can last a lifetime. By helping young people develop the skills, attitudes and resilience they need to reach their potential, Brathay empowers them to make active choices that will benefit them and the people around them.

My fundraising goal is to raise €4,200 for the Brathay Trust. Knowing that every mile I run can contribute to improving the lives of children and young people gives this challenge a real purpose.

This is not my first time taking on a 10 marathons in 10 days challenge. I previously completed the Great Barrow Challenge, which gave me valuable experience of the physical and mental demands involved. However, every challenge brings new experiences, and the Brathay 10 in 10 will test me again.

I could not take on challenges like this without the incredible support of my family and my running community. I am hugely grateful for the support, friendship and encouragement I have received from St. Senan’s Athletic Club in Kilmacow, Kilkenny and the Marathon club of Ireland. Being part of two such a supportive clubs has played a big part in my running journey and continues to motivate me every step of the way.

Thank you to everyone who supports me, donates, or simply sends encouragement along the way. Together, we can help make a difference in the lives of children and young people.

Ten marathons. Ten days. One meaningful cause.