Ardglass man to take on challenge after cousin gets cancer diagnosis

26 May 2021

AN Ardglass man is planning to complete a two-day running challenge this weekend to raise money for cancer.

Malachy O’Shea (54) will run four miles every four hours for 48 hours to raise funds for two separate charities which are currently supporting his cousin, Tanya Dunne, whilst she undergoes life-saving treatment.

“I enjoy pushing myself and it was already in the back of my mind to complete this challenge,” said Malachy.

“So I thought I could use this as a way to help give back to the nurses who have so kindly cared for and supported Tanya throughout her treatment,” he continued.

“The response locally has been overwhelming so far and I am looking forward to beginning the challenge this Friday. All donations are greatly appreciated”.

Malachy has previously completed marathons and is well known for his involvement with soccer in the village.

As there is strength in numbers, he will be joined by a different member of his family on each four-mile run, so he will never be alone throughout his travels.

The family have multiple different routes planned for the event, with Malachy set to travel from his home to Coney Island, Chapeltown and other areas.

Despite setting an initial target of £500, Malachy has been inundated with donations as word spread throughout the village and through social media.

Since the response has been so well received, the family have had to keep setting the target higher, with the current total funds raised sitting at over £2,000.

“There has been times when my sister Jocelyn and I have been out on a run within the village and people have stopped us in our tracks to donate,” said Malachy.

“It’s great to see so many of our friends help show their support to Tanya and the nurses”.

Tanya (40) who is from Fermanagh, began receiving treatment for cancer at the beginning of lockdown last year and has been assisted by the Rathmore clinic nurses in her home village of Belleek.

Tanya also receives help from the nurses at the Derry-based Northwest cancer care unit, meaning that she currently makes a cross-county trip every fortnight in order to get the care she needs.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time cancer has been present within the family — Tanya’s father sadly passed away a few short years ago from the disease.

However, the tight knit family refuse to let their spirits and plan to turn a negative into a positive when they present the cheque to Tanya in the near future.

“Family means the world to us. With ongoing restrictions this is how we plan to help Tanya and I cannot wait until we can gift her the funds,” Malachy added.

To make a donation towards the fundraiser, visit online at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/run-for-tanya21.

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