JFK 50 Mile 'finest example of community spirit in action'

“The JFK 50 Mile Challenge shows the finest example of community spirit in action,” said cancer patient Declan Brady, as he urged people to help raise funds for local cancer supports.

A keen walker, Declan is taking part in the Moylagh JFK 50 Mile Challenge next month to raise funds for The Irish Cancer Society, LARCC, and Palliative Care.

Last year, just months after receiving a bowel cancer diagnosis and while going through chemotherapy treatment, Declan walked half of the Moylagh JFK 50 Mile Challenge. Since then, he received the news that his cancer had spread, and this June, he plans to walk as much of the challenge as he can and encourages others to get involved.

The 13th annual fundraising event is on June 15, starting at the Moylagh Community Centre at 6am. To date, the Challenge has raised €1.2 million for cancer patients and their families.

Declan said: “There’s nothing like the JFK 50 Mile walk – it is the best walking event in the country. While it is a challenge, the JFK 50 mile committee and the crew behind the scenes have created an event that shows the finest example of community spirit in action. That is the reason walkers return every year. The local community gets right behind you, and everybody is willing you to finish it.

“All the money raised goes to the Irish Cancer Society and local cancer support centres as well. The work they do is just incredible and it’s so important for cancer patients to be able to get that support because nobody should go through cancer alone.

“I wouldn’t be here today without the support I have received. I am blessed to have a great crew around me – my wife Audrey, son Conor, my parents, and siblings, and all my friends, neighbours, work colleagues, JFK50 Mile crew, and the wider community – too many to name them all, but they know who they are.

“They have inspired me in their own way to stay positive and keep going.”

To learn more about the challenge or to get involved visit 50milechallenge.ie.

Anyone with questions or concerns about cancer can contact the Irish Cancer Society Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700 or email Supportline@irishcancer.ie