Irish actor Colin Farrell and his close friend Emma Fogarty – the longest-surviving person in Ireland with a rare genetic skin condition called Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) – have completed the Dublin City Marathon.
Fogarty, from Co Laois, joined Farrell for the final stretch of the marathon, with the actor pushing her wheelchair for the last four kilometres. Each kilometre represents a decade of Fogarty’s life with the condition.
EB, often referred to as ‘Butterfly Skin’ causes severe blistering and open wounds, making it feel like living with third-degree burns. Sufferers, like Fogarty, must endure hours of daily bandaging to manage the condition.
Speaking on Debra Ireland’s Instagram page shortly before she was greeted by Farrell to finish off the run, Fogarty sent a “massive thank you” to everyone who has supported her, and admitted she is “excited” and “extremely emotional”.
“I just wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone. I’m here waiting for Colin to meet me at the last 4km. He’s moving fast and doing really well.
“I’m so excited and extremely emotional. As many of you know, the reason I’ve done this is because I’ve hit the big 4-0 this year, and I wanted to mark it in a huge way. But, it’s you – the public – that’s made it even bigger and more special than ever.”
She added: “Thank you all for your amazing support and donations – in every way. We’re hoping to reach €1 million. Please go to Debra.ie to donate.”
Read more: Kenyan is first to cross Dublin Marathon finishing line
The marathon began at 8.45am on Sunday morning with more than 20,000 runners competing in the 43rd annual event. The race started at Leeson Street Lower and is set to finish in Mount Street Upper close to 5pm.
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Colin Farrell takes part in the Dublin Marathon
October 27, 2024#ColinFarrell pic.twitter.com/KvCemOBN6Y— Colin Farrell Updates💚🤍🧡 (@CFarrellUpdates) October 27, 2024
Speaking on RTÉ Radio One’s Ray D’Arcy Show on Wednesday, the actor praised Fogarty’s strength and shared his frustration with the level of care available for those with EB in Ireland.
“I love Emma, I love her to bits. I couldn’t be any more proud of her,” Farrell said. “But I don’t think I could be any more frustrated knowing that Emma and all those in our country who suffer with EB aren’t getting the care they could.”
To mark her 40th birthday, Colin Farrell is taking on Emma’s Run to 40 by running the @dublinmarathon in honour of his dear friend 👟.
Together, they hope to raise €400,000 for Debra, supporting those with EB. 🦋 #Runto40
👟 Get involved 👉 https://t.co/GJqGPlOYYz pic.twitter.com/MN4odckwcw
— Debra – The Butterfly Skin Charity (@debraireland) July 24, 2024
Describing the difficulties of navigating the terrain in her wheelchair Fogarty said: “The potholes, the ramps, even a pebble, I’ll feel every one of those… I will go home with new wounds and plenty of blisters.”
During the show, D’Arcy announced that the HSE had pledged €125,000 in core funding to Debra Ireland. While the commitment was welcomed, Farrell highlighted the larger funding gap for EB patients.
“It’s hard to see the need and the suffering up close and personal through my relationship with my pal Emma and know that there’s a broader amount of suffering going on with a further 300 people living with EB in Ireland.
“If you have to leave a few potholes uncovered or not build a bridge, so be it… more needs to be done.”
Fogarty echoed the sentiment, questioning how infrastructure projects could take precedence over the needs of vulnerable individuals. “How are the sick and more vulnerable not more important than a bike shed?” she asked.
If you would like to find out more or to donate to Debra, please see: Debra.ie
