Claire Connolly (28), from Killiney, has previously completed half-marathons and fundraised for the half-marathon in New York to raise money for The Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland, who were very supportive of her grandmother before her death.
She said her inspiration to run a full marathon this time was fuelled by her father.
Raising money in aid of the Parkinson’s Association of Ireland, Ms Connelly said has seen “first-hand” the support Parkinson’s Ireland provides to individuals affected by the condition, as well as their families.
“I just wanted to give back in some way… to give as much to the charity so they can continue to support other people that maybe aren’t as fortunate as we are with Dad,” she said.
“When Dad got diagnosed, we had nobody in our family who had ever suffered from it… it was kind of a minefield of not knowing exactly what it entailed.
Claire Connolly and her dad Gerry
“Parkinson’s Ireland has been so helpful in terms of providing information, connections, and just being an added support, knowing that there are people out there who can help,” she said.
She also expressed that knowing she can do something to make her dad “proud” is a massive motivation for her.
“I have to do a run tomorrow morning of 34-odd kms, and I have no desire in the world to do it, but I know that I will,” she said.
“They receive so little funding from the government, so being able to support them in any way possible for what they’ve done for us is a small token, really.”
The chief executive of Parkinson’s Ireland, Shane O’Brien, said he was “delighted” to support Claire in her fundraiser.
“Since her dad Gerry was diagnosed with Parkinson’s over five years ago, we have been providing support and information to him as part of his journey with Parkinson’s,” he said.
“As a charity that received less than 10pc of its funding from the government last year, voluntary fundraising initiatives like this are vital in allowing us to continue to deliver our services, especially in an environment where an increasing number of people are being diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
“Parkinson’s disease is the fastest-growing neurological condition, and demand for our services will continue to increase over the years,” he added.
