Every step for Luca: Kilkenny dad takes on Dublin Marathon for son with Spina Bifida
A Kilkenny father is preparing to take on the Dublin Marathon in honour of his young son, hoping to raise vital funds and awareness for children living with Spina Bifida
Proud dad Mikey McDonald is set to take on the 26.2 mile Irish Life Dublin Marathon on Sunday, October 25 after being inspired by his three-year-old son Luca who was born with Spina Bifida.
The challenge for Mikey is much more than a race to finish as he celebrates his son's unconquerable spirit whilst fundraising for a charity close to his family's heart, Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland.
"Every mile represents a piece of his journey. Every step is a reminder of the battles he fights quietly, bravely, and without complaint," Mikey explained.
Despite suffering with mobility issues, Luca, who will turn four in January, faces each day with a positive attitude.
"He's a wheelchair user and he just gets up every morning with a smile on his face and gets on with life," Mikey told Kilkenny Live.
"He's not allowing his disability to hold him back."
Luca, who uses a walking frame as well as a wheelchair, currently attends preschool in Muckalee where he has made plenty of friends.
"His little friends are unbelievable with him. They don't see his disability. They just see him as Luca," his proud father said.
"He's Mr Independence. He wants to do everything himself."
However, Mikey believes it is just as important to raise awareness of the accessibility issues families like himself face.
Living in Castlecomer, Mikey has first-hand knowledge of the problems faced when planning day trips or holidays as a family with children that have additional needs.
"When you're planning a family day out, you're thinking about what the gravel is like, what the ground is like, what equipment they have and whether there's an accessible slide," he explained.
Mikey hopes the marathon will help raise awareness of the need for improved facilities across Kilkenny.
He's not allowing his disability to hold him back!
Never having run a marathon before, and only ever running up to 10 kilometres previously, Mikey has been training since last October juggling work, family commitments as well as countless hours pounding the local roads.
"At this stage I'm sick of the ring road. I've seen every roundabout!" he joked.
Joining Mikey for the marathon are good friends Cory O'Neill and Johnny Murtagh, who have also pledged their support to raise money for the charity.
Both have children of their own and can fully appreciate the extra challenges Mikey's family faces.
"They can see the struggles that people with disabilities have," Mikey said, adding that his friends were quick to offer their support when he told them of his plans.
Mikey's wife Eilís has also thrown her support behind the fundraising campaign, taking part in the Women's Mini Marathon earlier this year in aid of the same charity.
Mikey praised the support of Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland for all they do for families such as his, including social events, family weekends and Christmas activities.
He hopes the money raised will help the charity continue their excellent work.
Mikey highlighted a recent family weekend organised by the charity at Kilkenny's Newpark Hotel, where four families enjoyed a two-night stay and a visit to the popular Jurassic Newpark attraction.
He believes these experiences are invaluable for children and parents alike, providing opportunities to connect with other families facing similar challenges.
“It's a charity that really gives back to families,” he said.
With limited public funding available, Mikey stressed that fundraising efforts are essential to keeping these important services and activities going.
Above all, Mikey hopes Luca will take on board the message behind his fundraising.
"If you put in the time and the effort and the training, you'll be able to overcome your own little difficulties that you're going to face in life as well," he said.
This marathon isn't just a race for me. It's a tribute to my son and to the strength he shows every day.
For Mikey, every difficult mile will be a reminder of the determination shown by his son everyday.
"This marathon isn't just a race for me. It's a tribute to my son and to the strength he shows every day."
To support Mikey's fundraising efforts for Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland, visit his official fundraising page by clicking here.