Cork woman raising funds for Aid Cancer Treatment to run 42km marathon in Canada

A Cork woman, who is currently living in Canada, has raised almost €36,000 for Leeside cancer patients ahead of the annual BMO Vancouver Marathon.

Caoimhe O’Sullivan, originally a Glasheen native, is set to undertake the full 42.2km marathon in Vancouver, Canada this Sunday, with all funds raised on her behalf going towards Cork-based cancer patients under the care of Aid Cancer Treatment.

Ms O’Sullivan is running in memory of her uncle, Donal Butcher O’Sullivan, who died in December after a battle with cancer at The Glandore Centre.

She is also running in honour of her mother, Deirdre, who is currently undergoing treatment at Cork University Hospital (CUH) following a recent leukaemia diagnosis.

Her campaign in support of Aid Cancer Treatment has received widespread support, having raised almost half of her target within the first 24-hours of fundraising.

Ms O'Sullivan said that the support she’s received is “a testament to the man” her uncle was and shows the impact he had on those in his local community of Castletownbere, and further afield in his “adopted happy place” of Vilamoura in Portugal.

“Donal had three F’s that were important to him, family, football and fishing,” said Ms O’Sullivan.

“His ability to connect with people, be it in everyday life or football, was palpable.

“He was a larger-than-life character, with an infectious personality, incredible positive energy and great humour.

“Donal always went out of his way for everyone else," she added.

“In all the worlds he touched, sport, community and the fishing industry - he made a huge difference.” 

To date, Ms O’Sullivan has raised €35,820 to help Aid Cancer Treatment continue its mission of improving facilities, services and supports for cancer patients in Cork, such as the recent provision of flow cytometry equipment at CUH.

Dr Cathriona Foley of Aid Cancer Treatment said this equipment has had “an immediate impact on our research assessing whether an imbalance in a patient’s immune response before or after surgery may contribute to the return of cancer after surgery.” 

“Everyone at Aid Cancer Treatment has been deeply moved by Caoimhe’s courage, positivity and determination,” said Dr Foley.

“To raise such a huge amount is extraordinary, and to do so while carrying such deeply personal meaning makes it even more powerful.” 

For more information, or to donate to the fundraiser, visit: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/caoimheosullivan.