Clare man raises thousands for charity as he prepares to complete Dublin Marathon
Declan Meaney from Ballyea aims to highlight work being done by Irish Kidney Association
A County Clare man will take part in his first-ever marathon this bank holiday weekend to raise funds for the Irish Kidney Association which has been supporting his mother who has been on the transplant list for several years.
Declan Meaney, 39, from Ballyea, Ennis will be joined by his friend Emmet Lundy and his cousin-in-law Kate Ryan as he pounds the streets of the capital on Sunday for the Irish Life Dublin Marathon.
His mother Lynda was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease more than twenty years ago and she has been undergoing haemodialysis treatment in Limerick city for the past three years.
"As many of you know my mam, Lynda, is currently on the kidney transplant list. Members of our family had hoped to become a living donor, but unfortunately we were not a match for her," wrote Declan in a post on his give2you fundraising page.
"The Irish Kidney Association has provided my family with the highest care whether that's been through tests, dialysis or support. I want to give back to this amazing group by raising money and running the Dublin Marathon," added Declan who has been in training since the summer.
As of this Friday afternoon, the online fundraiser has raised almost €4,000 - double the original target of €2,000.
The Irish Life Dublin Marathon begins at 8.45am this Sunday, October 27.