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Camlough man Pat McGinn will join 60,000 other runners in tomorrow's world famous ‘Great North Half Marathon’ in Newcastle England.
The 67 year old will be participating in the 13 mile race to raise funds for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY Ireland)
Pat explained “Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) is a charity set up to raise awareness of the condition known as Sudden Cardiac Death or Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) . It also provides free counselling and support for families affected by sudden death or cardiac condition."
His fundraising efforts have been supported by Boylesports who recently presented him with a sponsorship cheque for a €1000.
Thanking Boylesports for their sponsorship, Pat said “Over the years John Boyle, the Boyle family and all involved with Boylesports have always supported any charity fundraising challenge that I have undertaken.
Myself and the local CRY Ireland Charity Fundraising team deeply appreciate this donation and the company’s support.
We have raised another €2000 on top of this and all monies will go to help CRY Ireland continue to deliver its essential services. Thank you to all who donated to our fundraising.
I would encourage any individual or family whose lives has been impacted upon by a sudden adult cardiac death (SADS) to contact CRY for support. All services are free. For more information on the charity, visit WWW.CRY.IE “
Pat talked about what it meant for him personally to be helping raise funds for CRY,
“I learnt of the great work that this Charity does through fathers who unfortunately lost a loved one suddenly.
Tommy Fegan, Bernard Cumiskey and Kevin McCann and their families know only too well the services CRY provide.
They have spent this past few years raising the awareness of Cardiac Risk in the Young and supporting families who have lost young people suddenly through heart related issues.
Pat continued “Tommys son Kevin (aged 24 died 2010), Bernard’s son Jonathan (aged 33 died 2018) and Kevin’s daughter Shauna (aged 18 died 2008) all died suddenly from heart related conditions.
I knew both of the lads, Kevin and Jonathan and they wouldn’t have passed you without a smile and an hello.
The McCann family have been great personal friends of mine for years and the loss of the lovely Shauna, whilst a student in Liverpool, was a devastating blow.
The families carry the burden of their loss each day but have shown great courage in helping promote the work of CRY Ireland. They do so in gratitude for the care and support they received.
It is a privilege to be running in the ‘Great North Run’ in the memory of Kevin, Jonathan and Shauna”.
