'We can make a difference': Offaly woman to run 100km throughout July for Irish Cancer Society
Sharon Shanahan from Shinrone says that ‘cancer has touched many families including her own.’
An Offaly woman is running 100km throughout July to honour her father who is currently fighting cancer and her grandfather who sadly died from the disease.
Sharon Shanahan from Shinrone will look to complete the grueling task not only to honour her family members but also to raise funds and awareness for the Irish Cancer Society.
Sharon recently set up a GoFundMe page where she detailed her motivation for undertaking the challenge. She revealed: “Cancer has touched many families including my own family in more ways than one. We sadly lost my grandad to cancer a couple of years ago.”
“Today, my dad is bravely fighting his cancer battle. Seeing the impact cancer has on the people you love has inspired me to do something that, hopefully, can make a difference for others.”
People can also follow the Shinrone Camogie player’s progress throughout the month as she embarks on the 100km journey. She wrote: “Over the next few weeks, I'll be documenting every kilometre I complete whether I'm running or walking on Strava and across my social media.”
“Some days I'll be doing it alone, and on other days I'll be joined by family and friends, because one thing cancer reminds us is that nobody should have to face life's toughest battles alone.”
Sharon also encouraged others to get involved for a very worthy cause whether that’s running or walking 5km to donate €5 or completing 10km to donate €10. She is adamant that a joint effort can create a chain of support, raise awareness, and make an even bigger impact.
Sharon, concluded her GoFundMe post by saying: “Every act of kindness will help make a difference. Let's turn every kilometre into hope for those affected by cancer and show that no one has to face it alone. Together, we really can make a difference.”
All donations will go towards helping the Irish Cancer Society continue providing essential support and services for people and families affected by cancer.
Sharon said she has been blown away by the support with nearly €3,500 raised from more than 120 donations to date.
“I’m absolutely over the moon with all the donations so far and supportive messages, it just means so much when people reach out whether that's a message, sharing the post or making a donation, they have been so generous. I think it’s really important to raise awareness and support the Irish Cancer Society because the work they do is so invaluable.”
Sharon reiterated how vital it is to support the people dealing with cancer. “When Irish Cancer Society asked me where I wanted the funds to go, I said wherever needs it the most because it's so important that cancer patients get what they need. Their lives have been turned upside down so I want to try to give back and help those who are affected by cancer as much as I can.”
The secondary school teacher elaborated on her own personal experiences with cancer. She reflected: “Grandad passed away a couple of years ago from cancer and my dad was diagnosed a few years ago and he went through surgery and chemotherapy and came out the other side which was great.”
“However, last October, I was playing a county final and we went out that night afterwards, my mam and dad were there and I knew something was up, Dad told us that he was re-diagnosed with stage 4 cancer this time so it’s been very tough.”
Sharon has seen the impact her 100km challenge has had on her family members and she hopes it can have the same effect for many more facing the disease. “I just want my dad to be proud of me for what I’m doing, I know my grandad’s wife was so emotional when she found out, she was absolutely over the moon, the first words that came out of her mouth was that ‘Grandad would be so proud’.
“I’m delighted to be doing something to try and help people who are affected by cancer and make their lives a little easier if possible so I just want to push this on and see how far we can go with it.”
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Sharon insists that she is going to try to cover as many routes in Offaly and the surrounding areas as she can throughout the duration of the challenge. “I’ve done Lough Boora and Kinnitty already and I’m planning to run around Birr Town, Portumna, Templemore park and many more.”
“I just want to go and support local places as much as I can. I plan on running some of the way on my own and then my friends and family will join me for some parts which should also signify that everyone is in it together to raise awareness.”
When asked where she would like for the finish line to be for the conclusion of the 100km journey, Sharon explained: “Personally, I would love for that to be in Borrisoleigh, my dad is from there and his homeplace is just literally beside the track at the Borrisoleigh Hurling Pitch so I’d really like to finish it there alongside my dad, mam and my partner because that would mean a lot to me.”
If you want to contribute to the fundraiser in aid of the Irish Cancer Society and be part of Sharon’s journey, the link for the GoFundMe page can be found here