Perth-based Donegal man to run Dublin Marathon in memory of late mum

Killybegs native Bernard Byrne is preparing to take on the Dublin Marathon on Sunday, 25 October, in memory of his mum, Mary, who passed away from cancer at just 42 years of age, when Bernard was only seven.

He has already raised over €9,000 for Donegal Hospice, and he's hoping there's still more to come.

Anyone wishing to support Bernard and help increase his fundraising total can donate on iDonate Running in Memory of Mum for Donegal Hospice - Bernard Byrne.

Although now living in Perth, Australia, Bernard's roots remain firmly in Killybegs, where he grew up and where his family still has strong ties.

Losing his mum at such a young age has stayed with Bernard throughout his life and taking on the 42.2km marathon is his way of honouring her memory while raising money for a charity that does incredible work for families across Donegal.

The response so far has been fantastic, with friends, family and supporters both at home and abroad helping Bernard raise more than €9,000.

"The support has been unbelievable, and I genuinely can't thank everyone enough. Losing my mum when I was so young is something that has always stayed with me, so being able to do something positive in her memory means a lot.

"To have raised over €9,000 already is brilliant, but with less than two weeks to go, I'd love to see how much further we can push it. Every donation, big or small, really does make a difference."

Bernard will also have two very special supporters cheering him on from afar: his daughters, Ada and Sienna, who will follow his progress from Australia. Now a dad himself, losing his own mum at just seven years old, makes this challenge all the more meaningful, and he hopes to make his girls proud along the way.

With the marathon fast approaching, Bernard is hoping the people of Killybegs and the wider Donegal community will get behind him for one final fundraising push.

For Bernard, crossing the finish line will mean more than completing 42.2km. It will be a chance to honour his mum's memory while giving something back to a cause that supports families across Donegal. Knowing he has the support of family, friends, and well-wishers near and far will certainly help him through those final few kilometres.

He added: “I’ll stand on the start line of the Dublin Marathon for a reason that goes far beyond running. I’ll be running in memory of my mum, Mary, who died in September 1997.

“In July 1996, Mum went into Sligo Hospital for what was supposed to be a routine hysterectomy. During the operation, the surgeon discovered tumours throughout the lining of her stomach, and from that moment, life changed for our family.

“Mum underwent treatment, but the tumours continued to grow. Despite becoming increasingly unwell, she kept going. She made it to a family wedding, was there for my grandparents’ 50th wedding anniversary, and, in May 1997, despite how sick she was, travelled to Lourdes with my dad.

“By the beginning of September, her condition had deteriorated, and Sister Madeleine from Donegal Hospice began visiting Mum at home, sometimes twice a day, caring for her and supporting our family through the final days of her life.

“Despite her incredible strength, Mum passed away at just 42 years of age. I was eight years old.

“At that age, you don’t really understand cancer, hospice care or what death means. You just know that your mum was there, and then she wasn’t. When I was about 18, I made myself a promise that one day I would run the Dublin Marathon in her memory. Nearly 20 years later, I’m finally keeping that promise.

“I’ve run marathons before, but this one will mean more than any time on a clock or medal around my neck ever could. Somewhere in those 42.2 kilometres, when my legs are hurting and I want it to be over, I’ll think of Mum, of the strength she showed and how she kept going despite everything she was facing and I’ll keep going too.

“I’m raising money for Donegal Hospice so that other people approaching the end of their lives and the families standing beside them can receive care, dignity and support when they need it most. If you can donate anything at all, it would genuinely mean a lot to me. If donating isn’t possible, sharing this page would mean just as much.”