What's the news?
Running 24 marathons in 24 days sounds like madness, but it's exactly what Shane Finn, from Kerry, is doing to raise money for Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland (SBHI).
Ford will provide a Transit Tourneo Custom nine-seater van to act as Shane's support vehicle on his 628-mile (1,000km) epic, which starts on the 22nd of June. Shane will start in Donegal, and run for 26.2 miles every day, aiming to finish in his home town of Dingle after crossing through 24 counties.
"A big thanks to Ford for providing a support vehicle that we will use over the duration of my attempt to run 24 marathons in 24 days. An event like this really depends on having world class support. I have a wonderful team behind me and now having the use of a new Ford Tourneo Custom mini-bus will be a huge help", said Shane. "The number 24 is symbolic for me as I can see quite clearly how 24 hours a day can be difficult for someone with a disability and for their wider family. I have previously run 12 marathons in 12 days so with this new challenge I wanted to push myself to try to complete 24 marathons in 24 days."
Ciarán McMahon, Chairman and Managing Director of Ford Ireland said: "We are delighted to support Shane in his quest to complete 24 marathons in 24 days - we hope that our support vehicle will really help Shane to 'Go Further' in every sense. It is a very worthy cause and we wish Shane every success as he embarks on his ambitious challenge."
Thousands of people across Ireland live with Spina Bifida and/or Hydrocephalus. Whilst, the effects of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus vary, most people with Spina Bifida face significant physical challenges, whilst those living with Hydrocephalus usually have issues relating to brain function. 64 per cent of people who have Spina Bifida will also have Hydrocephalus and whilst you can only ever be born with Spina Bifida, anyone can develop Hydrocephalus. This usually happens following an impact to the head when the new cavity fills with cerebrospinal fluid and injures the brain tissue. Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland (SBHI) is the national organisation which works to ensure that every person living with the conditions is given the best opportunities to fulfil their true potential.
Those who want to support this worthy endeavour can text GIVE to 50300, which will cost €4, with a minimum of €3.25 reaching the charity.
Check out the 24m24d website here: https://www.24marathons24days.ie.