This year, I’m running the Irish Life Dublin Marathon 2026 to raise funds for the Mater Foundation, a charity that has a special place in my family's heart. Most close friends and family will know that in recent years, my mom has has a few health setbacks and has spent quite a bit of time in the Mater Hospital. From longer stints as an in-patient, to weekly (sometimes more often) appointments with consultants and regular trips up to the hospital for bloods - it has become a regular slot in our family's calendar. My mom has handled these issues with more courage, positivity and strength than I've seen before and I couldn't be prouder of her every single day. But part of the reason she has been able to be so strong and positive has been the treatment she has received in the Mater. Her numerous consultants, the nurses and even the admin staff and porters have been so tentative, never leaving a stone unturned. And even during some harder moments, they have made challenging times feel easier for me, my dad and my brother. I myself have had some health struggles as a long time sufferer of Endometriosis and after years of my problems being ignored, it was the Mater Hospital where I finally got diagnosed and got the treatment I needed. While running 42.2 kilometres seems at times near impossible, it is knowing that this small act will help support an organisation that has cared for my own best friend (and for me) in far more challenging circumstances that will keep me running on the 25th of October. Any small donation to this cause would be greatly appreciated - for me, for my mom and for all the other patients of the Mater Hospital and their families.