Tipperary singer runs marathon to raise funds for Irish Heart Foundation

A professional singer from Clonmel has reflected on a marathon nine months after her father experienced an unexpected heart attack while on a business trip.

Mimi Lane’s life took a dramatic turn when her father, John, suffered a major heart attack in February, aged just 54.

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The professional singer, originally from Clonmel Co Tipperary and now based in Dublin, then ran the Dublin marathon last month to raise awareness and funds for the Irish Heart Foundation.

She said her father was the epitome of good health and had previously run marathons and coached rugby.

He was travelling for work when he began to feel unwell while rushing for a flight through a UK airport.

At the gate, he was sweating profusely and a child commented on how red he looked.

“He was having a heart attack and didn’t realise it,” said Mimi, who also performed in Dublin’s 3Arena alongside Mark McCabe of ‘Maniac 2000’ fame in October.

John collapsed and was rushed to the Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge.

Staff were amazed he didn’t go into cardiac arrest and put it down to his fitness and strength.

He required a large stent in his main artery and spent ten days in hospital before being transported home via ferry in an ambulance.

John has had a pacemaker and defibrillator fitted and has completed rehabilitation but will never work full-time again.

“He's lost an awful lot that brings him so much joy, but I've honestly never seen a braver man with it,” said Mimi.

There is a history of heart disease in Mimi’s family, as both her grandads experienced heart attacks.

Mimi’s grandad, who was living with heart failure since his heart attack ten years ago, died from heart failure just weeks before the marathon.

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“We’re all mourning but we’re holding on to each other for strength and doing our best.

“This experience has taught me that stress affects us more than we realise and minding your heart - physically and emotionally - has never been more important.

“Marathon training was hard but the Irish Heart Foundation was brilliant - they reminded me I wasn’t alone.”

The singer completed the marathon in a time of four hours and seven minutes and said she ran for her dad and granddad and every family who might think heart disease won’t affect them.

“You never think it’ll happen to your family, but it can, and it does, even at a younger age. Don’t put it off - go get checked.

“And most importantly, if you suspect you are having any kind of a heart episode, go to the hospital immediately and give your heart every chance.”

The charity is calling on beginners and seasoned marathon runners alike to run for the Irish Heart Foundation.

“Whether you are looking for a charity place or you already have your own ticket for the Irish Life Dublin City Marathon 2026, we would love you to join team Irish Heart,” said Jamie Conway, Irish Heart Foundation, Community Fundraising Manager.

“Participating raises vital funds to help us to continue the fight against heart disease and stroke.

“To get involved next year, email Muireann at hello@irishheart.ie or phone 01 668 5001.”