Marathon Man! Drogheda to Kilkenny Walk in aid of CFAI

Marathon Man! Drogheda to Kilkenny Walk in aid of CFAI

08 April 2010

From April 20th to 23th, Drogheda man, Gerard Fay will undertake a challenge of walking and running from Drogheda to Kilkenny, in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland (CFAI), finishing at the CFAI National Conference on the 23rd.

The 4 Day Challenge will cover a distance of 110 miles (176km) and is being done to raise awareness of Cystic Fibrosis (CF); and to raise vital funds for the 8 Centres of Excellence around the country, including the provision of a new Day Care Facility in Drogheda; as well as to help with CF Research. 

Over the years, Gerard has completed many challenges for CF, and has completed 56 marathons to date, over 25 half marathons and numerous smaller races, as well as a walk from Dublin to Cavan, and Drogheda to Galway.  Also, in August 2009 he undertook a 24 hour walk and completed 95 miles over the 24 hours.

Three years ago, Gerard Fay, who is Chairman of the North Eastern branch of CFAI and Secretary of the Drogheda Branch set himself a target to personally raise €100,000 for CFAI.  Over the past two and a half years Gerard has raised €90,000 and hopes to raise a further €10,000 by the time he arrives at the CFAI National Conference in Kilkenny.

Also included in this year's challenges for Gerard will be at least 6 marathons and numerous smaller races.  Speaking about his fundraising Gerard said "This year conference is in Kilkenny, and having walked in previous years to conferences I just wanted to continue this tradition, and also the promote CF.  Hopefully this will bring this phase of my fundraising to a close, in that when I arrive in Kilkenny I will have raised my €100,000 target.  If by doing this, I can help improve the lives of those with Cystic Fibrosis and help to improve services for them then it is a challenge worth doing. 

Gerard added "I have lost 3 cousins to CF and numerous friends, and all my efforts are done in their memory and I am sure they would approve of what I am doing. I'm sure they would probably say that I am a totally crazy marathon man!" 

To find out more on how to get involved in fundraising or to donate, contact Gerard on (087) 2398881 or visit www.mycharity.ie/event/gerard_fays_event.