A south Armagh man – and longtime Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) Ireland supporter – is preparing to relace his boots and take on the Great North Run Half Marathon for the charity that remains so close to his heart.
Last year, Pat McGinn – aged 68 at the time – took on Belfast Marathon in aid of Daisy Hill and Craigavon Area Hospitals – crediting both with saving his life following a cancer diagnosis.
Now one year older – but no less fit! – Pat is putting his foot to the largest half-marathon in the world – The Great North Run in Newcastle, England.
A long-time supporter and volunteer with CRY Ireland, Pat has dedicated many years to raising awareness and much-needed funds for the charity, which supports families affected by sudden cardiac death in young people and inherited cardiac conditions.
As part of this year’s fundraising efforts, a Street Bucket Collection will be held in Camlough Village on Saturday, 29 August, from 9.00am until 3.00pm, while a Quiz Night will take place in The Bank Bar, Newry, on Thursday, 27 August, beginning at 8.30pm.
Everyone is warmly invited to attend and support these events.
CRY Ireland is a self-supporting charity that provides free clinical cardiac screening for families across Ireland who have been affected by, or are at risk of, sudden cardiac death in a young person. The organisation also offers counselling and emotional support to families coping with unimaginable loss.
Pat explained why the charity means so much to him: “Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) is a charity that raises awareness of Sudden Cardiac Death and Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS). It also provides free counselling and support for families affected by sudden bereavement or inherited cardiac conditions.
“I learned about the incredible work of CRY through families in our own community who sadly lost loved ones far too soon.”
Among those remembered are Kevin Fegan, who died aged 24 in 2010, Jonathan Cumiskey, who died aged 33 in 2018, and Shauna McCann, who died aged just 18 while studying in Liverpool in 2008.
Pat said: “I knew Kevin and Jonathan well. They wouldn’t have passed you without a smile or a hello. The McCann family have been close friends of mine for many years, and the loss of the lovely Shauna was devastating.
“While these families carry the pain of their loss every single day, they have shown remarkable courage by helping raise awareness of CRY Ireland and supporting other families. They do it out of gratitude for the care and support they received.”
Having recovered from a serious illness more than a decade ago, Pat has since completed numerous marathons, half marathons, triathlons and cycling challenges for charity.
This year’s Great North Run is another opportunity to support a cause that continues to make a real difference to families across Ireland.
“It will be a privilege to run the Great North Run to help CRY continue its vital work and, in a practical way, remember Kevin, Jonathan, Shauna and all those who are sadly missed every day by their families and friends.”
Pat also paid tribute to his friends Tommy Fegan, Bernard Cumiskey and Kevin McCann, who continue to encourage him every step of the way.
“Tommy, Bernard and Kevin are my friends and we enjoy a bit of craic. They’re helping prepare me for this thirteen-and-a-half-mile challenge — whether I want the help or not is another question!”
Pat is now appealing for the local community to get behind the fundraising events, adding: “People have always been incredibly generous and supportive. The bucket collection is a great way to raise funds while also getting people talking about CRY, Sudden Adult Death Syndrome and the importance of looking after our heart health.
“If you’re passing through Camlough on the day, please slow down, say hello and, if you can, drop a few pounds into the bucket.
“Every donation, no matter how small, will help or indeed if you fancy a night’s craic you are more than welcome to our Quiz Night in the Bank Bar Newry .”
Anyone wishing to support Pat’s fundraising can make a donation at the fundraising events, contact Pat directly, or donate through CRY Ireland here.
