WATCH: The moment a Tipperary man crosses the finish line after his 120km charity run in memory of his mum
‘Carol's Legacy Run’ is an ultramarathon and charity fundraiser organized by Tipperary native Brendan Walsh
A young Tipperary man has completed an extraordinary 120-kilometre charity run from Grangemockler to Cork in memory of his late mother, raising more than €37,000 for three cancer support organisations.
Brendan Walsh (21), crossed the finish line at Bons Secours Hospital in Cork on Saturday June 20, with his father Fran and sister Clodagh after covering 120km over two days as part of "Carol's Legacy Run", a challenge inspired by the many journeys his late mother Carol made to the hospital during her eight-year battle with cancer.
The event attracted widespread support from across Tipperary and beyond, helping Brendan surpass his fundraising target of €35,000.
As of Monday, the campaign had raised €37,424 through 877 donations, with all proceeds set to be shared between Care Cancer Support in Clonmel, Solas Cancer Support in Waterford, and Cúnamh, the cancer charity associated with Bons Secours Hospital.
Reflecting on the experience to the Tipperary Star, Brendan described the weekend as "absolutely amazing". "It was just great to cross the final finish line with my sister Clodagh and dad Fran. It was a rewarding feeling to have all the hard work pay off and have all the great support that was there. There was a huge crowd at the Bons and we got a lovely reception."
"I would have thought when I started out first that €30,000 was the dream, having €10,000 to give to each charity, but to pass that target has been amazing," Brendan said.
The fundraising campaign remains open for another month, with a charity quiz planned for Nagle's Bar in Kilsheelan on July 17.
Following that event, Brendan and his family hope to organise a cheque presentation for the three charities.
Looking back on the challenge, Brendan said the experience had transformed a painful chapter in his family's life into something positive. "To give back to the people who helped us so much and also for us to do it as a family. It was lovely to make those memories.” Donations for Carol’s Legacy Run can be made via it’s gofundme page.