Steven O'Rourke posted on July 16, 2009 20:00
On April 8 2008, not only did I lose my father-in-law to cancer but I also lost one of my best friends. Alan Smyth was in the prime of his life when he first got sick and during his illness often joked that he would be 'the healthiest man in the graveyard.' The dignity with which he fought his cancer and the strength and sense of humour he showed even when he knew it was a fight he could not win shows just what type of person he was.
During Alan's illness I saw first hand how tragically under funded cancer care is in Ireland. The Irish Cancer Society is dedicated to changing this and so I swore when Alan died that I would do my bit to try and raise funds for them. Therefore, on October 26 I will be running the Lifestyle Sports/Adidas Dublin City Marathon to raise funds for The Irish Cancer Society. In the build up to the Marathon I will be running the Adidas Race Series, starting tomorrow (Saturday July 18) with the Irish Runner 5 Mile Challenge in The Phoenix Park. This race series will also include The Frank Duffy 10 Mile Challenge (August 15) and The Dublin City Half Marathon (September 26).
Now, this is where you come in! I have set up a charity page called Steve's Year of Running Dangerously. Initially, I had hoped to raise 500 euro for the Irish Cancer Society but as I have already raised that amount I have raised my fundraising total to 750 euro. Should I exceed that amount I will raise the amount to 1,000 euro and so on. Ideally, I will raise as much money as possible. Any donation, no matter how big or small, will be equally appreciated by me and, more importantly, by The Irish Cancer Society. It will also be possible to sponsor me for up to one month after the Marathon is finished (for the cynical amongst you who don't believe I can complete it!) so, as Alan would say, let there be no panic.
I can't think of a better way to finish this blog than with a song that always reminds me of Alan and one that I will definitely be listening to as I make my way around The Phoenix Park tomorrow for the first of the Adidas Races Series.
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