Mayo athlete raises over €24,000 for Mental Health Ireland

A Mayo endurance athlete has raised more than €24,000 for charity after completing a series of remarkable physical challenges aimed at promoting mental health awareness.

Basil Mac Leod, a native of Louisburgh who also plays for the local GAA club, raised an impressive €24,255.13 in aid of Mental Health Ireland through a combination of marathon and ultra-endurance events.

In 2025, Basil undertook his first major challenge by running four marathons across four different counties in just five days. He later pushed himself even further by completing a gruelling 100km ultramarathon through the Sahara Desert — an extreme event where participants must carry all essential supplies, including food, water and sleeping equipment, across harsh desert terrain.

Basil said his motivation for supporting Mental Health Ireland stemmed from his belief that mental health challenges can affect people of all ages.

Through his efforts, he aimed to send a clear message that even the toughest challenges can be overcome.

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The fundraiser received strong backing from the local community in Louisburgh, as well as support from his employer, the Maldron Hotel Oranmore, which hosted an event that contributed more than €2,000 to the final total.

Mental Health Ireland has paid tribute to Basil’s dedication and determination, thanking him for both the funds raised and the awareness generated.

Fundraising Officer Louise Connolly said the organisation was “extremely proud” of his achievements.

“Through his efforts, Basil has helped raise awareness for mental health in his community, and we are grateful to him and to everyone who donated,” she said.

She added that the funds raised will support the organisation’s ongoing work promoting mental health through campaigns, educational materials and programmes across the country.

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