Write a commentTwo lifelong friends Larry Mc Cabe and Pat Mc Ginn are in their final preparations for a gruelling 26 mile marathon run to raise funds for the Southern Area Hospice Services. They are participating in the World Famous London Marathon, running around the streets of a City that they first went to over 40 years ago to work in.
"The Hospice services have been availed of by many" said Pat who himself was touched by cancer nearly three years ago. "We will be remembering in particular Larry's late father Dermot and all our family members and friends who lost their lives to cancer. It is also important to be positive and encourage those facing the uncertainties that cancer brings with it to be strong and resolute. You are not alone"
On a lighter note the streets of London won't be strange to the Camlough men as over they worked there many times, arriving there for the first time over 40 years ago.
"It was a daunting enough experience for two naive young lads but myself and Larry are survivors.Times have changed somewhat for the new generation of Irish now living and working there, mostly for the good. My son Conor is an MP in Westminster representing his constituency of St Helens North. Changed times indeed, Conor has a great passion and care for his constituents and job. He is also deeply involved with the Irish in Britain and the issues they face. We as a family and his friends are proud of him and what he has achieved as a young Irishman who has gone to make his home and his life elsewhere. His PA Patrick is also running the Marathon to raise money for a Charity that helps children with stammering problems" said Pat
The two "marathon men" will travel as part of a larger group that have been over the past few months raising funds for the Southern Area Hospice Services.
"Larry and myself deeply appreciate the generosity of all those who sponsored us and donated at our various collection events. The recent collection in Camlough village was a grand total of £1230.34. Thanks to all those who have helped in our collections and trained with us. We will also be participating in the Great North Run in September and intend to do one or two other challenges to fundraise for the Hospice into next year 2017. We are quietly celebrating slipping out of our "fifties" and into the "sixties". The 26 mile route takes us past one of what was our local Pub's when we worked in Victoria. There used to be a photo of the two of us behind the bar under the banner " The Booze Brothers", we might pop in to say hello whilst running past, but we definite won't be stopping for long" concluded Pat.
