Shandon bells set to ring out when man completes epic Dublin to Cork run for Pieta

At the end of this month, an Irish Congolese man will run 300km in four days across Ireland in aid of Pieta House and to raise awareness around men’s mental health, finishing his journey in Cork where he will ring the iconic Shandon bells.

Chris Amour will set off on his journey on May 25 from the headquarters of Pieta House in Dublin. Across the following few days he will be passing through locations such as Carlow and Cahir.

And he will conclude his journey on Leeside, passing through Fermoy and into Cork city on May 28.

Motivation

On his motivation for undertaking the fundraiser, Mr Amour said: “As men, we’re very bad at talking when things are not going well. We like to bottle things up because somewhere, somehow we heard courage is being able to just not talk.

“That was the motivation, to raise some funds for Pieta House because I know the amazing work they do,” Mr Amour said.

“I wanted to raise awareness for the men of Ireland that, yes, life is tough, things are going to be difficult and it’s OK to reach out for help.

“I think more and more of us are feeling the stress and the pressure and the hardship of life.

“So, I think now mental strength and mental health is as important as it’s ever been.”

He added: “There is help out there. So if by doing this run, somebody comes across a post online and it inspires them to do something with what they’re going through, that’s the motivation.”

Ringing Shandon bells

Mr Amour is also looking forward to concluding his fundraising initiative on Leeside and ringing the famous Shandon bells.

“I’ve actually never been to Cork before. So it’s going to mark my arrival to Cork by ringing the most iconic attraction.”

For further information and for anyone interested in donating towards the Pieta House fundraiser of Mr Amour can do so now via idonate.ie/fundraiser/manupspeakup.