Runners complete Boston Marathon in memory of Inishowen girl Ella Murphy

A group of local runners have completed the Boston Marathon in memory of little Ella Murphy.

The runners, which include Ella's father Brendan, ran the prestigious marathon to raise funds for the Crumlin Childrens Hospital.

Little Ella sadly lost her life on December 13, 2019 after she was born just two days previous. She was born prematurely with a number of serious complications, including no left lung, heart dextrocardia and her oesophagus had not fully formed. Ella was taken to Crumlin Childrens Hospital for urgent care.

Brendan described the staff at the children's hospital as “wonderful” in their efforts to do “everything they could to save Ella”.

“It’s a situation no parent wants to be in but the care and compassion we received from all the staff in Crumlin was second to none. They truly are the real hero's in this world!”

The family were keen to raise funds for the hospital, however their efforts were thwarted due to the covid pandemic anf the birth of twins in 2021, Brendan, along with a few friends decided to run this year's Boston Marathon to give back to Crumlin for the care they received.

In the lead up to the marathon the family ran a number of fundraisers including: Monster Bingo, Car Wash, Coffee Morning, online draw and pub crawl.

Brendan’s employers State Street have also very kindly pledged to match every donation received up to a max of €10,000.

After six months of planning and training and a few injuries along the way, the 127th Boston Marathon was completed by

Gerard Doherty (3.02), Declan Irwin (3.15), Denise Doherty (3.55), James Doherty (4.31) and Brendan (4.47). in memory of baby Ella.

Brendan thanked the kindess of all of the individual sponsors.
l James Doherty sponsored by PD Plumbing Supplies
l Denise Doherty sponsored by Newtownstewart Ltd
l Gerard Doherty sponsored by Tank & Skinny's
l Declan Irwin sponsored by Lynch Windows
l Brendan Murphy sponsored Mc Kenna's Centra Buncrana
l Cutliffe Construction
l B.R. Walsh construction inc.

“We are totally blown away by the generosity,” he said. “Thank you to each and every one of you who donated and supported the runners via our Idonate campaign.

“We are about to do final count of all funds raised but expect that we will be presenting Crumlin Childrens Hospital with a cheque of approximately €40,000.”