Anyone who knows me knows I have a huge soft spot for the Golden Oldies. Growing up surrounded by older people has enriched my life so much, especially thanks to my fabulous Nana, who is a constant source of wisdom, fun, and mischief! Even though I live away from home now, I still phone her twice a day to hear all about her adventures. Every week she meets her social group for activities like singing songs and reading poems, and she regularly meets “The Dolls” for coffee and, importantly, cake. Through her, I see how vital social connection is at every age. As the world moves faster and becomes more digital, many older people are at risk of being left behind. Everyday tasks, finding reliable information, or simply staying connected can become increasingly difficult. It breaks my heart that so many struggles faced by older people are things the rest of us take for granted. That’s why I’m thrilled and proud to be running the iconic Dublin Marathon on October 25th, 2026 in support of Age Action, an incredible charity that works tirelessly to help older people live full, independent and connected lives. Their work supports thousands of people every year and tackles issues such as digital inclusion and they provide practical support to older people. They are an amazing charity and I am thrilled to be putting my running to good use to raise awareness and funds which will go directly to a charity whose vision is “A society that enables all older people to participate and to live full, independent lives.” We all want that, right? If you are in a position to donate, no matter how big or small, I would be so grateful. Every contribution will go directly towards supporting older people in our society. Go raibh míle maith agat - a thousand thanks, and see you on race day! And for anyone wondering - Nana absolutely wishes she could lace up her runners and join me, but at the youthful age of 84, she’ll be cheering from the sidelines instead :)