A Derry man is set to run the Dublin marathon later this month in memory of two of his aunts who both tragically passed away from cancer.
Terry Crossan, who ran the London Marathon over the weekend, will have already run 11 marathons by the time it reaches October 30.
Terry's efforts are for a local hospice which helped take care of his aunts Assumpta McDaid and Anne Barr. Both members of Terry's family received "unbelievable care" from Foyle Hospice before they sadly passed away.
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“As a family, we couldn’t have made it through it all without the care the Hospice provided," Terry said. "But I don’t just do this for us. As a community, Derry and the surrounding areas would be lost without the Foyle Hospice.
“I do this in memory of my Mammy’s sisters, my aunts, Assumpta McDaid and Anne Barr, and I have both their pictures on my T-shirt when I run."
Terry had an extra spring in his step in London as he ran the marathon alongside his brother, James and cousin, James McDaid, who is his aunt Assumpta’s son.
To date, the Derry inspiration has already finished marathons in Manchester, Belfast, four marathons in four days with the Extreme North Quadrathon around Inishowen, the London Marathon, and is now preparing for the Dublin Marathon.
Recalling running the foot-blistering four marathons in four days in Co Donegal, Terry revealed a touching family moment at the event.
He added: "When I took part in the challenge, it was tough, and when I came over the finishing line of the last one, my Mammy and all my aunts had all come down to see me running in memory of their sisters."
“It was super emotional because as sisters, they were all so close with Anne and Assumpta and it was the first time they had all been there to see me coming over the finishing line," he continued. "It was a special moment for me for them to see me doing what I am.
"I’m really appreciative of all the work done by the Foyle Hospice. Not only what they did for my family directly, but the work they continue to do in the community; is really precious.
“The people that work in the Foyle Hospice, day-in and day-out, deserve the highest of accolades and more. The Hospice is a shining example of a community charity that I feel it is our duty to support.”
If you would like to donate to Terry’s amazing marathon effort, you can HERE.
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