A regional representative with the humanitarian charity GOAL in the west and the midlands will take part in the world’s “coolest marathon” at the North Pole in April.
Fresh from his role as a leader on the health and fitness programme Operation Transformation, Ronan Scully says his latest challenge will be one of his toughest.
“This is without doubt one of the hardest things that I have ever taken on. It is a 26.2 mile run in temperatures that can drop to -40C at the geographic North Pole,” he says. “But the madness that it presents can be justified by the great opportunites in raising money for six deserving charities.”
He will raise vital cash for GOAL, the Galway Hospice, Alan Kerins Projects, Big Brother Big Sister Ireland, L’Arche [which supports people with intellectual disabilities] and the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.
“2011 is shaping up to be a year I’ll definitely remember,” he says. “The race will be a challenge but it’s something I am keen to do to support some of my favorite charities.”
Entrants in the North Pole Marathon are asked to train as if it were a normal marathon, he says.
“However, this is by no means normal. The race is the only certified marathon run on the ocean with competitors running entirely on the frozen ice that overlays the Arctic Ocean. As if running on ice wasn’t enough to contend with, temperatures are expected to be between - 20°C and -30°C.”
A fundraiser at Monroe’s Live on Wednesday March 16, which will feature music by Sean Slattery and the Connections, will raise money for the six charities.
“Having Sean Slattery playing a gig in Galway the night before St Patrick’s is a great gig to get and I am so thankful to him, his band and all the guys in Monroes for making this possible”, says Mr Scully. “Gemma Ni Conlaith will be our guest MC and it is just looking like a night that will be great craic.”
Tickets for the event are on sale at €10 and are available from Monroes. Mr Scully has pledged to raise “considerable” funds for his chosen charities. People interested in getting involved in any fundraising activities should contact him at (087 ) 6189094. Donations can be made online at www.mycharity.ie and type in Ronan Scully.
For further information about the various charities or on the North Pole Marathon log onto Ronan Scully Facebook page or to any of the following web addresses:
North Pole Marathon www.npmarathon.com GOAL (Ronan Scully ) www.goal.ie
Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind (Contact Frank Downes ) www.guidedogs.ie L’Arche ( Fr Niall Ahern ) www.larche.ie
Big Brother Big Sister ( Paul Tannian ) www.bbbsireland.ie Galway Hospice (Michael Craig ) www.galwayhospice.ie Alan Kerins Projects ( Alan Kerins ) www.alankerinsprojects.org
