A north Dublin man will run a marathon within his 2km lockdown radius this weekend to raise funds for his local hospital.
Baldoyle man Mark Furlong is taking on the gruelling 42.2km challenge on Sunday, May 3 in aid of Beaumont Hospital.
Mark will run the marathon through Sutton, Baldoyle, Donaghmede and Bayside, all within the 2km radius of his home to comply with the Government's lockdown guidelines.
Both of Mark's beloved grandparents were treated in the hospital before they sadly died last year.
He told Dublin Live he wanted to give something back to the staff who provided amazing care to his grandparents before they passed away.
He said: "Essentially, I've been fundraising for frontline workers in Beaumont Hospital for the last two weeks.
"On May 3rd, I'll be running a marathon within our 2km radius (Sutton, Baldoyle, Donaghmede and Bayside) and setting off at 6am on Sunday alone.
"Over the last two weeks, we've raised over €8,000 - all donations are being matched by the tech company I work for.
"I chose Beaumont as they're the hardest hit hospital from COVID-19 and took great care of my grandparents when they passed away last year. I'm doing this as frontline workers save lives daily and do it for little to no praise."
On his Beaumont Heroes Appeal fundraising page, Mark adds: "Our healthcare professionals are working on the frontline risking their lives to care for patients with COVID-19.
"From the safety of our own homes, you and I can take the necessary steps to protect the health and safety of our loved ones.
"But for the men and women, the doctors, nurses and other personnel who are looking after the health and lives of the sickest among us, their personal health and safety is constantly at risk.
"So much may be needed in the coming weeks to provide support to weary staff and to provide some essential comforts for those battling daily to save the lives of patients infected by COVID-19.
"We are all in this together. Please give what you can to support the Beaumont Heroes Appeal."
Donations to the fund can be made here.
