A HEROIC Blarney man kissed the forehead of the young child who inspired his extraordinary efforts to complete the Cork City Marathon today.

Craig Sykes, aged 27, donned his full Defence Forces uniform, with 14kg bag, to complete his first ever marathon in 5 hours, 55 minutes, and 35 seconds.

He took on the challenge to raise awareness and funds for his cousin’s young daughter, Heidi Patterson, who was born in 2017 with cerebral palsy.

Heidi has moderate hearing loss, visual impairment, and a dislocated hip, meaning she needs constant care. The monies raised will help Heidi receive the help she needs.

Craig said: “My shoulders are sore from the bag but it was my legs that went and made it hard to run the last bit. I just wanted to finish in six hours, and knowing that it was all for Heidi got me through it.”