5k a day for Friends of Cavan Oncology
Radiographers Lisa and Brian Sheanon will be doing up the laces of their running shoes for all 31 days of December.
The brother and sister duo have committed to run five kilometres every day for the month of December to raise funds for the Friends of Cavan Oncology.
The fundraising target, originally set at €500, has exceeded the expectations of the pair and raised nearly €6,000 to date.
“We’re both blown away by the generosity of people,” said Lisa mentioning that €2000 was raised in just a 24-hour period.
Lisa explained that their aunt and grandfather, who live in New York, are currently battling cancer for the second time.
“My brother and myself decided it would be nice to do something to give back locally because we can’t be with our family in the States.”
“Everyone can relate to a loved one or a close friend or an extended family member who's going through treatment or has gone through treatment,” Lisa explained the struggles connected with cancer treatment.
Lisa said that the Friends of Cavan Oncology charity is “100 percent for the patients.”
She said that it is most important to herself and her brother that all the funds raised go directly to the patients to provide them with the best care possible.
“It goes straight back to the patients, so they benefit from it directly which is very important for us.”
The fitness fanatics haven’t been finding the challenge too difficult as they have a background in football.
“We’re nearly there with only nine more runs to do so we’re very happy,” she said.
“When people are donating their hard-earned money... it just makes every day easier and to know that we’re helping people at the end of it all,” said a delighted Lisa.
People have been the main motivator for this challenge as the two have been overwhelmed with kindness.
“People have just been so kind in their words and their messages encouraging us.”
“My family are proud, which is important.”
The fundraiser is still open for donations and will not be closed until the first week in January. You can donate through the ‘Lisa and Brian's December 5k Challenge ft. Dad’ gofundme page which can be found at gofund.me/6f9dcfc7