‘My running shoes are well broken in’: Cork man completes gruelling 4-4-48 fundraiser

When Fionn Heffernan invested in a new pair of runners at Christmas, he put them to good use for a very good cause.

What prompted the 20-year-old MTU student from Cork to run 4 miles (6.4km), every 4 hours for 48 hours last month?

“My main goal was to raise awareness for mental health and to let people know that they are never alone through the darkest of times,” says Fionn.

“And I encourage anyone to speak out in any time of need.”

Fionn had another ambition.

“Another goal of this challenge was to raise as much money as I could for the Cork Mental Health Foundation and Shine A Light Suicide and Mental Health Awareness Cork, as these charities hold a special place in my heart and the work they do for people who are suffering and who suffer, is immense,” says Fionn.

In 2018, the National Youth Health Programme (NYHP) conducted a rapid needs assessment among the youth sector in Ireland to investigate young men’s health.

The assessment showed anger, anxiety and stress are among the biggest factors young men are dealing with in society.

Did Fionn battle with his mental health?

“I have battled a bit,” says Fionn. 

“And I always felt mental health was never talked about enough. 

"There is still a stigma attached to struggles with mental health. It is partly the fault of our society really.

“I want to spread awareness among younger and older generations. There aren’t enough supports to help people even though Cork charities are doing their best,” says Fionn.

He wants to highlight that some people need help.

“People are struggling, and they are afraid to speak out,” says Fionn.

“Getting it out there is good. Talking is a way of coping.”

People often put up a front to hide how they really feel.

“I know with my own generation that everyone likes to portray that everything is rosy in the garden. That is not always the case though.”

Fionn got out and about to drive his mission home.

“I’m not a runner but I found running and exercise to be a good outlet. I bought running shoes at Christmas, and I put in three months of hard training. I thought, I am the person for this challenge. The shoes are well broken in now!

“My first run commenced at 8 o’clock on Friday morning, March 7. I invited anyone who wanted to join me to please come along.”

People went along with Fionn on his 4x4x48 running challenge, and people spoke to him.

“While I was doing the challenge and after doing the challenge, people that I didn’t know spoke to me about their mental health,” says Fionn. “They felt able to speak up.”

He raised €13,205 that he split between Cork Mental Foundation and Shine A Light Suicide and Mental Health Awareness Cork.

“The money will provide in the region of 1,000 counselling sessions and suicide prevention sessions. Many lives will be impacted.”

Fionn’s brother Daithi motivated Fionn.

“Daithi came out running with me during the night,” says Fionn.

“He drove me on and gave me motivation. On my last run, my family were around me at The Lough for the finish.”

How did he stay awake and stay active for 48 hours?

“I was literally awake for 48 hours!” says Fionn.

“I think I had three hours sleep in two days.”

Apart from his family and his friends, what else kept Fionn going?

“Pure adrenaline!” he says, laughing.

“Also, the messages of support really helped me. It was a tough challenge.”

Fionn is strong in mind and body.

“My body felt sore but that was in the mind,” says Fionn.

“I told myself I had been through much tougher than this. I can keep going. I had it down and I even enjoyed it!”

Now that the dust has settled, the awareness has been raised, the funds collected, and the challenge complete, what has Fionn to say?

“My main goal was to raise as much awareness for mental health as possible.”

He is a happy man.

“I couldn’t be happier with how things have turned out,” says Fionn.

He is happy knowing many people will get the support that they need.

“€6,592.50 will go to Cork Mental Health Foundation. €6,612.50 will go to Shine A Light Suicide and Mental Health Awareness,” says Fionn.

“Thanks to the results of this fund-raiser and the incredible support from all of you, over 1,000 people may benefit from this initiative with counselling services and suicide prevention services.”

Fionn has crossed the finish line, reaching his goal.

“When I started, my hope was to either change or save at least one life,” says Fionn.

“It’s now clear that many lives may be impacted for the better because of the awareness we’ve raised together.

“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who supported me throughout this journey, to everyone who donated, thank-you. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without you.”

Fionn, who took on an amazing 48 hour challenge for a cause close to his heart, prompts us to have positive thoughts.

“Always remember you are never alone,” he says,

“Life is always worth living.”