Well know Camlough man Pat McGinn will be participating in the World renowned “Great North Run” Half Marathon which takes place in Newcastle England on Sunday, September 9.
Pat will be running the testing 13 miles to raise funds for CRY (Ireland) and in particular memory of young Kevin Fegan from Camlough who died suddenly aged 24 in 2010.
Pat explained: “CRY is a charity set up to raise awareness of the condition known as Sudden Cardiac Death or Sudden Adult Death Syndrome.
“It also provides free counselling and support for families affected by sudden death or cardiac condition. Young Kevin’s untimely death in 2010 prompted his family to get involved with the Charity and his father Tommy is now the Chairperson of the Charity.”
He continued: “It will be a privilege to run the Great North and in a very practical but appropriate way remember Kevin, his grieving family and friends and help Tommy as Chairperson of the Charity in his own words, ‘help CRY (Ireland) build on the solid foundation Michael the previous Chairperson and the board has created and strengthen our screening, support and research services, raise awareness of the issues and help reduce the number of parents who face that unimaginable and ultimate horror – burying your child'”.
Pat was joined by Gráinne Fegan-McQuade a sister of Kevin’s to announce details of his fund raising “Street Collection” in Camlough village next Saturday, July 7.
Asking people for their support he said: “People are generous, the Bucket Collection is a nice way of raising a few pounds and getting people to talk about CRY, the issue of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) and health and well being in general. If your passing through the village, drive slowly, shout hello and drop a few coins into the bucket if you can”.
On a lighter note Pat confirmed that his long time running partner Larry McCabe wouldn’t be accompanying him to the Great North 2018 due to what he described as “a falling out over a drinks bill that was owed to Toal’s Bar”.
However he confirmed that Larry would accompany him to his high altitude training camp in Lislea.
He also said that he was confident that he could outrun Sir Mo Farah in this year’s Great North.
“I finished 35,343 places behind him last year,” he said. “Whilst I’m not making excuses I feel I had an off day and if I’m in tip top form I’ll run him or any of the fancied runners close.”
CRY Fund Raising Bucket Collection Saturday, July 7 in Camlough Village from 9am to 3pm.
Anyone wishing to make a donation can contact Pat, the Fegan Family or For more information on the charity, visit www.cry.ie
