5 Marathons in 5 Days!

Press Release – 20th June 2011

Charity Run from Dublin to Galway – Garda completes 5 marathons in 5 days for Motor Neurone Disease

On Tuesday 14th June 2011 two members of An Garda Síochána set off from O’Connell Street in Dublin City Centre to run the 130 miles to Eyre Square in Galway City. The Gardaí are Ian Redican and Tom Power. Ian is a Crime Scene Investigation Photographer and Tom is a Ballistics expert at the Garda Technical Bureau in Garda H.Q. in Dublin's Phoenix Park and the run was launched by Jimmy Magee.

The journey took them through the towns of Dublin City Centre, the Phoenix Park and Lucan and the distance means that on reaching Eyre Square on Saturday 18th June 2011; 5 full marathons of 26.2 miles had been completed in 5 days! There was no shortage of support and encouragement along the route from other members of An Garda Siochana, family, friends and people directly affected by Motor Neurone Disease.

This mammoth challenge was in aid of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) because Garda Power’s uncle sadly passed away from Motor Neurone Disease last summer.

MND is a progressive neurological condition that leaves people unable to do the everyday things that the rest of us take for granted. Walking, talking and swallowing may become virtually impossible. MND strikes people of all ages and there is no cure. The IMNDA provides specialised services for people affected by this debilitating disease such as equipment on loan, financial assistance towards home help, advice and home visits by MND Nurse Specialists.

In order to provide these vital services the IMNDA depends heavily on the generosity of the public and friends of the association who generate over 75% of its income.

People can still donate online at the event’s My Charity page: www.mycharity.ie/event/5marathons-5days/and check out photos of the 5 day run at: www.facebook.com/dublintogalway

ENDS

For more information:

Gemma Watts

Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA)

Tel: 01 873 0422 Email:

Or visit the event’s Facebook Page

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