Jonathan's Ironman 70.3 and Marathon Fundraiser
Donation protected
Hi Everybody,
I am taking on the Ironman 70.3 in Youghal Co. Cork on the 13th of August: this involves a 1.9km sea swim, followed by a 90km cycle and finally a 21.1km run. I will also be running the Dublin Marathon (26.2miles) in October. I hope to raise awareness and some much-needed funds for three great causes: Tommy and Grace - the Lilly Foundation; Myasthenia Gravis and The Irish Cancer Society.
Tommy and Grace are two, beautiful, caring siblings - ages 6 and 5 from Dublin. Tommy and Grace have an extremely rare Mitochondrial condition, in which there are only 3 known cases in Ireland. This is a degenerative, life limiting incurable disease which is caused by mutations in mitochondria, the tiny batteries in every cell of the body which generate 90% of the energy that allows the cell to function.
Unfortunately the batteries in Tommy and Grace's cells are running out, this is causing a big financial strain and of course heartache on the parents, family and friends.
Secondly, my sister Jennifer was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis when she was 18. Myasthenia Gravis is a rare autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks and damages the nerve signal reception areas. This can lead to loss of effectiveness with all voluntary muscles including eyes, arms and legs, swallowing, speaking and breathing. There is currently no cure for Myasthenia Gravis.
Many sufferers go undiagnosed and misdiagnosed due to a lack of awareness of the condition. In Ireland, there are almost 400 diagnosed sufferers of MG, but it's estimated that for every diagnosed sufferer, there are at least two to three others whose condition is undetected.
Lastly, I am raising funds for the Irish Cancer Society as unfortunately most of us don't need to look beyond our own family and friends to know someone who has been diagnosed with a form of Cancer.
Please support me where possible. Any donation is greatly appreciated.
Jonathan
Organizer
Jonathan Healy Hayes
Organizer