The challenge of 12 marathons in 8 months is completed ............................................

It is with a heavy heart that I write this blog as it is the end of my 12 marathons in 8 months challenge.  People have asked is this it? is it the last of my fundraising for the Mercy Hospital? my answer has been who knows ???????????????

In January 2015 Pat was over in the Mercy Hospital and he had gone to theatre where Mr Tom Murphy was taking care of him,  I sat in the office of the Mercy Fundraising to discuss with Deirdre my plans to fundraise for cancer research in the hospital and to run 12 marathons in 8 months, our first meeting of many and little did I know that Deirdre was a Kerry woman and now it has come to an end,  To say that we are overwhelmed by the support that we have received from start to finish has been unbelievable, the last 8 months have definitely been a roller coaster.

12 MARATHONS IN 8 MONTHS

March - Tralee - thank you to Mikey for joining me on marathon number 1.
April - Connemara - I took on the challenge on my own.
May - Limerick - thank you to Bernie, Tina, Michelle and Anna who ran as a a relay and were great support from start to finish,  Elaine ran the 10km to support us.
June - Cork - 5 relay teams consisting of my family and friends - what an amazing experience each time I passed a relay changeover they were there to cheer me on.
June - Waterford - Thank you to Elaine who joined me for this one.
July - Killarney - a fabulous marathon, one that I started on my own but was joined by Ultan who likes to talk when he is running (he actually never stops talking)!!!!!!!!!!!
August - Donegal - 4 marathons in 4 days - the ultimate challenge - I had never even done a back2back marathon so taking on this challenge was definitely a scary experience - I met so many fabulous people over the 4 days, Barry who helped me to get to the finish line on day 4, Karen who is a truly special person, Derek who is great to motivate and Ken who runs marathon after marathon and kept me going from day 1 - day 4 and Ger who ran day 3.  A special thank you to Margaret Lafferty who kindly gave us all free accommodation for the quadrathon.
September - Dingle - I was joined by Mr Tom Murphy, Noel, Tina and Anna.  Having only ran the quadrathon in Donegal 3 weeks earlier I was really glad to finish this one.
Dublin - I was joined by Noel, Mark and Pat.  This was the most emotional 26.2 miles, I am so proud of Pat running his first marathon, 13 months cancer free....., this marathon was also for VERY special friends Joe and Breda, 26.2 miles for Joe who is now facing his own difficult challenge.

Proud to fundraise for the Mercy.

There are so many people that I need to thank. To everyone that has been there for us from start to finish, family and friends, those of you that have donated, been at the start and finish line of marathons, to Castlegregory golf club, John and Myra of Keanes in Curraheen, Derryquay National School and everyone that has been there for Pat, Gavin, Colin and Myself since May 2014.  There are two very special people that I have to mention and that is my sister Maureen and her husband Ger, they have been there to support me from marathon number 1 right through to marathon number 12 in Dublin.  To all of the journalist who have covered my story but a special thank you to Donal Nolan of the Kerryman who was the first journalist to interview me and has given us wonderful coverage over the last 8 months.  A special thank you to Deirdre, Micheal and all of the staff of the Mercy fundraising who have been such wonderful support to me, they have gone over and above to help me in anyway possible.  Una Lynch who has kept me injury free from marathon 1 to marathon 12, the pain was definitely worth it.  Ronan from Victory Fitness who worked with me on maintaining strength and endurance (anyone that wants to get fit definitely give Ronan a call)

The Doody men Pat, Gavin and Colin have been dragged from Tralee to Donegal and never once complained, the best support crew that anyone could ask for.

Even though my 12 marathon challenge has finished we have one more night of celebrations. This takes place on Saturday November 7th in Keanes of Curraheen @ 9pm.  John and Myra kick started the fundraising with a night in March and have kindly organised a party to finish the challenge. There is no charge on the night, it is a thank you to each and everyone of you for being there for us. Hope to see you all there...   A great night of fun and music is planned.........................................................

Total raised so far is 23,664.80 and with donations still coming in who knows what the total will be .......................

The money will be used to part-fund a research programme into the causes of Oesophageal cancer. In particular the project will produce a mapping of bacteria in the oesophagus in patients that are at various different stages of Oesophagitis. The project will be based in UCC. In our view research is the only way to increase the survival rates for those that are unfortunate enough to suffer from cancer at any stage in their lives.

For anyone that would like to donate please use http://fundraise.mercyfundraising.ie/marathonbrenda

Please share my facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/mercymarathons 

For now training for me is back to Ronan in Victory Fitness and improving my football skills with my new team mates in St Pat's Mothers and Others and our very talented football coach Andrea.

Until the next challenge begins .................

 HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL NOVEMBER 7TH IN KEANES BAR AND RESTAURANT

Number 12 of 12 marathons in 8 months .................................

The last of 12 in 8 months

I cannot believe that I am already at marathon number 12,  thank you to everyone that has supported me in any way, without you I would not be here.....happy.....sad........lonely.......excited................ 

For this marathon I will have the company of Pat and two very dear friends.I am so proud of Pat who will be running his first marathon, 12 months ago Pat was being fed by a feeding tube having had chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery to remove his oesophagus now he is fit and ready to run 26.2 miles. #soproud... #letsfightcancer

Noel has been there for us since Pat was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer.  The most supportive friend that anyone can ask for.  First marathon for Noel in Dublin and he is guaranteed to do a super time.  

Mark has travelled from the UK to join us in Dublin, he is a pro at marathon running and we have previously ran the Dublin and Barcelona marathons together.  Started the marathons together and I managed to beat him on both occassions !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (sorry Mark)  I promise to wait for you in Dublin..............................

All of the 11 marathons that I have ran over the last 8 months were for Pat, marathon number 12 is for a very dear friend who was also treated in the Mercy hospital, he is now facing his own very difficult challenge, 26.2 miles in Dublin will be ran for you Joe.

From the very beginning in March this challenge was not about me, I do not in any way regard myself as a hero, the hero's are the cancer patients who fight this dreadful disease every day.

The money   €23104.80 to date

 that we raise will be used to part-fund a research programme into the causes of Oesophageal cancer. In particular the project will produce a mapping of bacteria in the oesophagus in patients that are at various different stages of Oesophagitis. The project will be based in UCC. In our view research is the only way to increase the survival rates for those that are unfortunate enough to suffer from cancer at any stage in their lives.

Thank you to everyone that has donated so far and for sharing and liking my facebook page and posts.

For anyone that would like to donate please use http://fundraise.mercyfundraising.ie/marathonbrenda

Please share my facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/mercymarathons 

Marthon number 12 of 8 months ..................... the countdown begins ..................................................

The last of 12 in 8 months

I cannot believe that I am already at marathon number 12,  thank you to everyone that has supported me in any way, without you I would not be here.....happy.....sad........lonely.......excited................ 

For this marathon I will have the company of Pat and two very dear friends.I am so proud of Pat who will be running his first marathon, 12 months ago Pat was being fed by a feeding tube having had chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery to remove his oesophagus now he is fit and ready to run 26.2 miles. #soproud... #letsfightcancer

Noel has been there for us since Pat was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer.  The most supportive friend that anyone can ask for.  First marathon for Noel in Dublin and he is guaranteed to do a super time.  

Mark has travelled from the UK to join us in Dublin, he is a pro at marathon running and we have previously ran the Dublin and Barcelona marathons together.  Started the marathons together and I managed to beat him on both occassions !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (sorry Mark)  I promise to wait for you in Dublin..............................

All of the 11 marathons that I have ran over the last 8 months were for Pat, marathon number 12 is for a very dear friend who was also treated in the Mercy hospital, he is now facing his own very difficult challenge, 26.2 miles in Dublin will be ran for you Joe.

From the very beginning in March this challenge was not about me, I do not in any way regard myself as a hero, the hero's are the cancer patients who fight this dreadful disease every day.

The money   €23104.80 to date

 that we raise will be used to part-fund a research programme into the causes of Oesophageal cancer. In particular the project will produce a mapping of bacteria in the oesophagus in patients that are at various different stages of Oesophagitis. The project will be based in UCC. In our view research is the only way to increase the survival rates for those that are unfortunate enough to suffer from cancer at any stage in their lives.

Thank you to everyone that has donated so far and for sharing and liking my facebook page and posts.

For anyone that would like to donate please use http://fundraise.mercyfundraising.ie/marathonbrenda

Please share my facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/mercymarathons 

Marthon number 12 of 8 months ..................... the countdown begins ..................................................

Hero of the Year Award

HERO OF THE YEAR AWARD.

I had the honour of attending the Mercy Stars Awards last night and I was absolutely thrilled to receive the award for Hero of the Year.  To be among such wonderful people was fantastic.
It is only 23 days to the Dublin marathon and my last marathon of 12 in 8 months.  I was asked last night how did I feel about marathon number 12 and the answer is sad - it brings to an end a truly amazing journey.  I almost wish that Dublin wasn't number 12 so that I could continue my association with the Mercy Foundation, but you never know what the future holds .......................
I had my first meeting with Deirdre in the Foundation in January and now coming towards the end of my Mercy Marathon Challenge the support and friendship that I have received from everyone in the Foundation has been amazing.

€20850.80 is the total to date and I am hopeful and confident that we will add a lot more ........................

In Dublin I will be joined by Pat, Noel and Mark so it will be 26.2 miles of fun.  Pat and Mark have both finished their longest run so are beginning to taper, Noel plans on taking to the road this week. For Pat and Noel it is their first marathon so there will be a lot of nerves in Dublin on October 26th. Mark is travelling from the UK to support us and he is a pro at marathon running.  My only disadvantage on the day will be that I am the smallest and for every step they take I will be taking 2 or maybe 3 !!!!!!!!!!!

23 days left and we will be celebrating.  

Watch this space for details on our final night of celebrations ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 

Thank you to everyone that has donated so far and for sharing and liking my facebook page and posts.

For anyone that would like to donate please use http://fundraise.mercyfundraising.ie/marathonbrenda

Please share my facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/mercymarathons 

Counting down the days ..........

35 days to marathon number 12 in Dublin,  training is going really well, with a mixture of running and gym sessions with Ronan in Victory fitness.  Pat is all set to run Dublin with me having ran 18 miles with Noel last weekend, Mark will be travelling from the UK to join us and is a little bit ahead having done a 22 mile run.
This week I will be running the Cork Mini Marathon and if anyone would like to join Team Mercy there is still plenty of time to register.






Thank you to everyone that has made a donation in any way.  Lots of exciting things planned before this challenge finishes .....


For anyone that would like to donate please use http://fundraise.mercyfundraising.ie/marathonbrenda

Please share my facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/mercymarathons

One year on ......................

Congratulations to Mr Tom Murphy who true to his word ran in Dingle on Saturday.  It was fantastic to have such support at the start and finish line.  Congratulations to Anna, Tina and Noel who also ran in Dingle.  Marathon number 12 is Dublin on October 26th, this will be the longest rest for me between marathons since I started this challenge in March and I think at this stage I probably need it. So for the next few weeks I will alter my training routine.

                                                    THE MEDAL COLLECTION...........

One year ago tomorrow Pat had surgery, it is sure to be a day of mixed emotions, happy that Pat has got this far and is doing so well and sadness that cancer came into our lives.  I will be forever grateful to the wonderful staff of the Mercy and I will always remember Mr Tom Murphy on the morning of surgery when he promised me that he would take care of Pat and that is exactly what he did.

This challenge is all about raising much needed funds for Cancer Research in the Mercy Hospital, back in February when I did my first interview I was asked what my target was and my reply was I didn't have one and with only one marathon to go the amount raised to date is a phenomenal
                                                           19,250.80 euro

 
Thank you to everyone that has donated so far and has helped in anyway.
I now have a finishing target that I would hope to reach and I am determined to push it in every possible way to the final hurdle.

For anyone that would like to donate please use http://fundraise.mercyfundraising.ie/marathonbrenda

Please share my facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/mercymarathons

Almost there .................

I cannot believe that I am almost at the end of this challenge.  Saturday will be marathon number 11 in Dingle and I am looking forward to meeting some of the competitors from the quadrathon in Donegal.  Unfortunately Pat, Gavin and Colin will not be there to support me as the soccer season begins for Gavin and Colin, however Noel and some of the girls from Killarney are taking part in the half marathon so I will have company for the first few miles ......................  I also hope to be joined by another friend but not to put any pressure on him all will be revealed in next weeks blog.

I am relatively injury free with just a slight niggle on my left knee so for the last few training session I have switched from running to cycling, at this stage I definitely do not want to pick up an injury.

The plan between Dingle and Dublin is to get back in the pool (of which I used to do a lot of), keep up training with Ronan in Victory Fitness (of which he guarantees that it is going to get tougher), keep running, remain injury free and to enjoy marathon number 12 in Dublin.

12 months ago next week Pat was preparing for surgery in the Mercy, we will be forever grateful to everyone involved in Pat's care in the Mercy hospital.

The support that I  have received has been overwhelming to say the least, this has certainly been a journey and one that I have thoroughly enjoyed raising vital funds for cancer research

Total raised so far is        €18195.80


For anyone that would like to donate please use http://fundraise.mercyfundraising.ie/marathonbrenda

Please share my facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/mercymarathons