A sporting-themed run by a proud Mervue man in memory of a beloved uncle held last autumn has raised more than €14,000 for the Galway Hospice.
Philip Ryan from Mervue devised the run because of his late uncle’s affection for Galway GAA and Arsenal football and decided to run the distance between the two iconic stadia, Pearse Stadium and the Emirates Stadium.
The run, in memory of the late John “The Bull” O’Sullivan was held to honour the staff who took care of him at the Galway Hospice in the time before his passing last summer.
“My uncle was an avid Arsenal supporter and Galway GAA supporter, so I decided to run the distance between both stadiums, a total of 796 kms.
“I ran that distance over an eight-week period with the last leg of my run being completed at the Emirates Stadium in London.
“The whole fundraiser ended up being something I would never have dreamed of. It took on a life of its own and the support I received along the way got me through the many tough times during my run.
“Especially the memory of turning into Barry Avenue and seeing everyone outside the house with banners, flags and music. It was crazy and very overwhelming and something that will stay with me forever.
“To see people’s kindness and their lovely messages of support, really humbled me,” said Philip.
“Like myself, John was always an incredibly proud Mervue man and the homecoming I received just summed up what a great parish we have here,” he said.
He told the Advertiser that at the beginning he had hoped to raise €2,000, but that the final figure of €14,155 was an unbelievable achievement.
“To everyone who contributed and helped. My family and friends all over the world, I will never be able to thank you enough. You all helped me achieve something that I will be forever grateful for.
“The Facebook page Remembering Sully is still up and I get great joy by scrolling through it and looking back on what was achieved.
“So many laughs and a few tears along the way, but worth every bit of it. So feel free to scroll through and see my journey from start to finish.
“Unfortunately, during this run, we lost a great friend i Sully’s, Peter Gullane “Gully.” I know the two of them were looking fown on me and helped me through the tough days,” Philip concluded.
