Joyce's Charity Run

In 2019 I signed up for my first marathon, the Dublin City marathon. About 2 months into training my mum Sybil became very ill and spent over 2 months in hospital. Part of her stay was in St. Luke’s ICU Kilkenny. My training that year, did not go to plan, but I still completed the marathon in 4hrs 55mins with my family waiting at the finish line.

I was eager to participate again but in 2020, I was unwell myself and then Covid hit which put a stop to everything. This year, again, there is no actual marathon but the Virtual event goes ahead and I really wanted to challenge myself to complete another 42km!!!.

But this time I want to do some fundraising.

In September this year my little girl Lucy joined her brother Harry in the Wandesforde N.S. My eldest son Dylan and even myself (many, many moons ago!!) attended primary school here. I am currently a Board of Management & Parents Association member, so my relationship with & connection to this school runs deep. With all their usual fundraising initiatives cancelled due to Covid, I thought my marathon would be a good Covid safe way to help raise funds for this wonderful school, which does so much for our children.

In April of this year, my dear mum Sybil was unwell again & went to hospital. Unfortunately, she suffered a Cardiac Arrest and spent her final days back in the care of the amazing staff in the Intensive Care Unit, St. Luke’s Kilkenny. Not only did they care for mum, but they went above and beyond to make sure that myself & my dad Cecil, were with mum as much as possible in her final days. During this time in ICU, I witnessed the unbelievable struggles our Frontline workers faced during Covid, while all the time remaining compassionate, sensitive, & supportive…this will never be forgotten. Mum passed away on the 4th May 2021, so in her memory I am running my second 42km marathon. I hope that the funds raised will give something back to the ICU so they can continue to support other families whose loved one needs such critical care.

So, at 9 30 am on 24th October 2021, I will set off from the Wandesforde National School heading out for Crettyard, Kilgorey, Newtown, Clough etc and finish back at the school. I will try pass as many of the pupils houses along my route as possible, so feel free to come out and cheer me on if you like! I will do my best to run every km of the 42 but if I must walk the odd bit I will. My goal is to COMPLETE the 42 km and RAISE AS MUCH MONEY AS I CAN FOR THESE TWO FANTASTIC GOOD CAUSES. Mum would have told me I was mad to be doing the marathon again, but I know she’ll be with me every step of the way.

On behalf of myself, the Wandesforde N.S. and the ICU St.Lukes, Kilkenny, THANK YOU for your support & your donation. It is greatly appreciated.