Limerick man to run 10km in Offaly as part of 32 county fundraiser for Motor Neurone Disease
Jerry Twomey (50) will complete an incredible 32 county 10km run this month to raise funds for Motor Neuron Disease (MND).
Jerry's father, John passed away in 2010 after suffering with Motor Neuron for many years. Jerry has decided to set himself this challenge to mark John’s 80th birthday this year.
He will set out to complete a 10km run in all 32 counties in Ireland this month to honour his father and raise awareness of the debilitating disease.
Speaking about the challenges of MND and the support his family received, Jerry said: “We met angels and helpers in many forms while Dad suffered his illness with dignity. The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) was of immeasurable support to us and are an endlessly worthy charity to go the distance for. I have been training hard since January and at times I felt that completing this challenge is way beyond me. What better way to honour the memory of my brilliant Dad than to face a challenge bigger than I feel possible. I also wanted to do something in every county in Ireland in support of everyone who is, or has been, affected by this devastating disease.”
The Limerick city native decided to raise funds for IMNDA as a result of the support they gave his family when his father was sick. “Suddenly overnight Dad needed a hoist which costs €10,000. The IMNDA said they didn't have a hoist and had no money.” Fortunately a few days later the charity rang Jerry back and had secured a hoist for John after someone had done some fundraising for them. According to Jerry, “he is trying to repay that moment.”
Jerry's father worked for Coillte and was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease at 59 years old and passed away at the age of 67. “He fought a superb fight. He might have had Motor Neuron Disease but it never had him.”
Jerry's wife Anita will be joining him on her bike and friends and family will also be joining along the way including their children, Seán (22), Cillian (20) and Eunan (17).
He has been overwhelmed by the support he has received so far and is hoping to raise €10,000 for the IMNDA. At the time of going to print Jerry had raised €7,400 for the charity.
Jerry will be running in Offaly on Wednesday, July 13.
Jerry is reaching out to everyone in the MND family as well as sports clubs, running clubs, and social groups to join him along the way “With company the run feels half as long and twice as easy” he added. “I would be delighted to hook up and run with people wherever they are. Just get in touch and I will do my best to be there" John concluded.
To donate to the IMNDA visit idonate.ie/RunForJohn
For more information, or to follow the run, check out the hashtag #runningthecountry on Twitter and Instagram @runforimnda). To contact Jerry email runforimnda@gmail.com
In Ireland, one person dies every five days from this devastating disease. MND is a progressive neurological condition that attacks the upper and lower motor neurones in the brain and spinal cord. It is a condition that leaves people unable to do the everyday things that the rest of us take for granted.