Evening Echo
Thursday 7 June 2012
Bandon man Fintan Walshe has raised nearly €2,000 in aid of Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) by completing the London Marathon.
Fintan ran the marathon in memory of his wife Yvonne’s brother, Gary. He trained for seven months and completed the challenge in four hours and 39 minutes, raising a total of 1,800 for CRY, which was set up in 2002 to create awareness around sudden cardiac death.
The charity runs a clinic which provides free screening for anyone with worrying symptoms or who has lost a family member of SCD, as the condition can be hereditary.
The charity also provides counseling for those who have lost someone to SCD and to those living with a heart condition.
Fintan said: “It was a fantastic occasion and event in ways I had not considered beforehand particularly the level of support and sense of occasion.”
“My finish time was slower than I hoped but nonetheless crossing the finish line was a great feeling.”
Joining Fintan on the route was fellow Corkman Colin Babe, who despite suffering from chronic back trouble on mile 15, walked the rest of the route to finish the marathon.
Michael Greene, chairman of CRY, said: “We are constantly inspired by the fantastic support we receive from people like Fintan. He and his family have given huge support to CRY over the years and we are very thankful for everything they have done”.
See www.cry.ie for further information.