The godmother of a Co Tyrone man who died suddenly last year has raised over £16K after she completed a 40 mile run in his memory.
Leanne McKenna took on the amazing fundraising challenge to honour 21-year-old Patrick McGinn who killed in a car crash in Dungannon last July.
Speaking to MyTyrone, Leanne thank everyone for the support and joined in with the Miles4Patrick campaign to raise money in memory of the young man who “loved by all who were lucky enough to know him”.
She said: “What a day from start to finish, nerves and emotions were high but with all the support out on the roads, the nerves soon disappeared.
“The support was just something else, from people joining in for some miles to people standing out to cheer us on and keep us hydrated. We are so grateful to each and everyone.
“To all the people that got their miles done from far and near - San Francisco, Scotland, London to name a few. The support was just indescribable.
Leanne took on the 40-mile Ultra marathon in order to raise money for charities close to their family’s hearts, Revive (Royal Victoria Hospital ICU & HDU) and Anam Cara, Bereavement Support.
Speaking before her fundraising event, Leanne said: “In an ideal world this service would not exist, in an ideal world, parents would outlive their children.
“These organisations have helped our family in ways which we could never put into words. We are so incredibly proud of Patrick and all he achieved in his short life and we are so proud to be able to fundraise for these amazing charities in his name.”
Patrick was able to save six lives through organ donation after his death and Leanne described how even in his death “he was such a good-natured and kind-hearted lad”.
She continued: “No words could describe the feeling when we were finishing and to know I completed my first ultra in memory of a beautiful angel was just amazing.
“We are overwhelmed with everyone's generosity and we have raised over £16,000 for these two amazing charities.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the amazing support, to all who have supported the Miles 4 Patrick page and for all the donations, these funds will make a huge difference to people who find themselves in our position.”
To donate to the 'Miles 4 Patrick' campaign see here.
