Marathon man Pat eyes fundraising
opportunity
 By Cornelia
Lucey
A dedicated marathon runner is warming up for his 13th charity marathon
in London this April.
Pat Munroe — who hails from Connemara, Galway — has competed
in the New York, Dublin and London marathons since 1980.
And this year he aims to raise £1,000 running for Visually Impaired
Children Taking Action (VICTA).
The 47-year-old said: “I was looking for a different charity to
help. I thought about how I am so lucky to have two healthy children —
an 18-year-old son and 20-year-old daughter — and felt that I should
do something for those who need that little bit of extra support.
“VICTA provides an enormous help for families with blind and partially-sighted
children all over Britain.”
The London-based Irishman first began running after giving up his favourite
sport, football. Soon a bug for running developed.
The builder said: “It started as a bit of fun but then I really
got into it and now training has become part of my life.
“You do get tired because there’s so much time involved but
you push yourself thinking of the charity you are running for and you
pile on the miles.
“I started off with half marathons but now run marathons as they
are a better challenge.”
Pat can be found running around Hampstead Heath from three nights to five
nights a week, completing an 18-mile run every Sunday as he prepares for
this year’s marathon.
In April he aims to finish with a time of four hours and 10 minutes.
He said: “I allow an extra hour from my youthful 1980s’ three
hour five minute best to account for my getting older.”
If you would like to make a donation please send it addressed to him
to The Irish Post or contact him directly on 020 8452 8779 or 07833 963
405.
VICTA, which is funded primarily through London Marathon fundraisers,
still has Golden Bond places available in the 2007 Flora London Marathon.
Visit www.victa.org.uk if you require further information.
|
