Mayo woman runs 100 miles to raise funds for cancer charity

A Mayo woman is running 100 miles in order to raise donations for local cancer patients in need of care.

Elaine Cloonan will be hitting the target for the ‘Run for Richie’ fundraiser.  On February 28th, she will set off to complete the massive task in aid of giving back to those in Mayo’s hospices as well as the Roscommon hospice and SHOUT(Sligo Hospital Oncology Unit Trust).

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So far, the Ballina native has passed €3,000 in funds.  In a conversation with The Mayo News, she said that it’s all about giving back to those who cared for her father when he was in the care of these institutions.

“My Dad was specifically cared for by oncology in Sligo, and the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice,” she said.

“I knew I needed to get back out running because I enjoy it, but I also knew I needed to express my gratitude to those who cared for and supported him.”

Elaine has had the target of 100 miles in her crosshairs for a while now.  The training has left her in good stead.  That being said, such a huge run is new territory.

“I’ve gone as far as 80 kilometers in training, and I won’t be going any further than that.  It’ll all come down to me pulling it out of the bag on the day.”

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Support from people online has been massive.  However, the hard yards on the ground have been lonely for Elaine.  Her role as an ICU nurse in Sligo University Hospital means that a lot of her runs in preparation have her flying solo.

“A lot of the time I’ve been running solo,”  she said.  Because of my shift schedule, I don’t get many chances to join running clubs.

“Sometimes my husband will join me, and if I’ve a track run someone will come along, but for the most part, I’m out on my own.

When you’re out it’s a matter of digging deep into your own resources.”

100 miles is no mean feat, and Elaine seeks to serve as ample motivation to those around her and further afield.

“My next reason was to inspire and motivate others.  If you work hard enough, I believe you can reach your goals and chase dreams.

“I want to do something extraordinary and encourage normal people like myself to get up and get at it.”

There is no doubt that cancer is a topic that is to the fore in every home in Ireland, and in closing out the call, Elaine wished to give a rallying call for everyone to donate to her cause.

“I’d encourage anyone to donate.  So many families have been touched by cancer, and so many people require these hospice services.  The issue is prevalent, and the work that these people do is amazing.  They deserve our gratitude.”

Anyone wishing to donate to 'Run for Richie' can do so at this link.