A kind-hearted Dublin man is running the New York Half Marathon at the age of 63 to raise funds for sick children.
Crumlin native Gerry Cully has started training for the 2020 race after working in Crumlin Hospital's Children’s Medical and Research Foundation (CMRF) since June 2007, Dublin Live reports.
Gerry said: “I had planned to do the New York Marathon three years ago for my 60th birthday, but I was sick, so three years later I’ve been persuaded into going for it.
"I’ve been going to New York for CMRF for many years with a team of men and women of all ages who take part in the NYC Marathon to support CMRF Crumlin .
"I’ve always thought I’d love to be on the other side of the fence as the wonderful team pass by me on the side line."
It'll be his first time running such a long distance - but he's getting prepared early and isn't ruling out doing a full marathon in future.
Gerry said: “I’ve never done a marathon before, just the marathons I run around the CMRF building on hectic days.
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"I’m not a fast walker, but I do enjoy walking.
"I’ve a programme of training set up over the next few months and my colleagues here in CMRF are giving me lots of encouragement, so there’s no getting away with it.
"I’ve been working on the New York Marathon for many years, a lot of our supporters who take part in New York Marathon have been doing it for years, so it’s always lovely catch up with them.
"Needless to say a number of them are trying to encourage me to do the New York full marathon, but at 63 years old, I’d like to dip my toe in the water and do the half marathon first."
And how he wants other people to join him and raise funds for some of Ireland’s sickest children.
Gerry said: "I’m hoping other people will sign up too and walk or jog with Gerry in the New York half Marathon in 2020."
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“If you’re even thinking about taking part in something like this just do it.
"Some people have a bucket list, so why not add a half marathon to it?
"For someone my age, when you mightn’t want to do a full marathon, it’s a great option.
"This is a great time to start training too. I’ve just given up chocolate and minerals and started walking. Now’s the opportunity to do it."
