Marathon fundraiser in memory of Kilkenny boy (12) who died after asthma attack
The family of a little boy who lost his life when he was struck by a ‘one in a million’ severe asthma attack has just undertaken a ‘marathon’ fundraising effort in his memory.
Cory Hynes, who lived in Moneenroe, was just 12 when he passed away, in November 2024.
Last Sunday his aunt and uncle, Christine and Mark, stepped out in the Viking Marathon around Waterford, wearing his beautiful, smiling face on their tshirts and encouraging donations to the Asthma Society of Ireland – to help other families living with asthma.
Erica Hynes, Cory’s mother, said the family project had two main aims - both fundraising for the Asthma Society but also to raise awareness that the organisation is there and can offer information, help and support to those with asthma and those who care for them.
A common condition in Ireland, people forget that asthma can turn serious. In Cory’s case the acute asthma attack struck and “he just dropped,” his mother said.
Diagnosed with the condition when he was three years old, doctors said he would probably grow out of it. Cory was good to take his medication and use his daily inhalers. Over the years he did have more severe asthma attacks that required hospital treatment, but he came out of all of those.
On the day of the fatal attack Cory “didn’t have a sniffle, a cough or anything. It was so sudden and so fatal, basically one in a million,” Erica said.
Asthma should be spoken about everywhere, especially to kids and parents. “We took it seriously but we always thought he would come out of it. It’s just scary now that I have seen what can actually happen with it.”
Usually a shy lady, Erica has found the courage to speak out in public in her son’s memory, in the hope other families can avail of the Asthma Society’s support - because she didn’t know about the organisation until after Cory had passed away. She wants other parents to reach out to the organisation “so parents don’t have to go through what I am going through. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.”
She always talks about Cory and his life, but hasn’t been able to talk about that day until now.
Praising the Asthma Society, Erica said “they are amazing. So nice, so friendly.” They are online and also have a WhatsApp chat support. “If parents are scared or worried, they can talk to them. They would have made my life a little bit easier, or I would have had answers for Cory.”
Last Sunday, Mark completed the full marathon distance in just over four hours and Christine hit a time of one hour 10 minutes for the 10km distance. Erica is very proud of them and was emotional watching them cross the Viking Marathon finish line.
“I only realised after my son passed how great people are. I have a great family and friends groups. They’re why I’m still standing. My daughter Leah (15) – she keeps me going.”
Erica is also delighted by the generous support for the fundraiser. You can still donate https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/WaterfordVikingMarathon2026