Darragh Kavanagh died from sudden cardiac adult death syndrome aged just 27 in January this year. He was a serving soldier and died while on duty. Devastated by his death, his best friend Jack Dwyer from Wicklow town sought to do something for others that have been affected by heart-related health issues.
He decided to run the Dublin Marathon in aid of the Irish Heart Foundation and after he crossed the line in a time of 3 hours and 32 minutes, he was able to celebrate raising some €10,070, having set a target of just €8,000 when his mission began.
Speaking on his fundraising page, Jack described Darragh as a man with a big smile, who “always treated people with kindness and respect”. He added that “his influence and presence will be felt forever”.
Those helped by the money Jack has raised for the Irish Heart Foundation will feel his presence forever too, and full of pride for his efforts, his partner Sadie Mold was quick to thank those that made this achievement possible.
“We just wanted to say thank you to everyone who supported Jack on his run and donated to the great cause,” she said. “The campaign, Dublin for Darragh 2024, was a way for everybody in Wicklow and beyond to make a positive contribution to the memory of one of the greatest people in the lives of so many in Wicklow.
“We hope to continue to create moments of remembrance for Darragh so long as we live and breath. He will always be there.”
Jack wasn’t the only Dublin Marathon runner from Co Wicklow bounding the pavements for a cause.
Garda Sgt Lorraine Heffernan, stationed in Newtownmountkennedy, raised close to €1,500 for Austism Assistance Dogs Ireland, having taken on one of their incredible canines herself.
The family’s assistance dog is BonBon, and Sgt Heffernan was running to thank AADI for BonBon.
“I’m not a runner, so I was literally couch to 42km,” she wrote on AADI’s social media. “I have raised nearly €1,500, and it’s just my way of saying thanks to BonBon’s trainer Ciara and everyone in AADI for giving us the gift of BonBon.”
