Inspirational Moville woman completes marathon hike in memory of beloved mum
“It was step by step and putting one foot in front of the other, like my beloved John, Tomás, Amelia and mum would want me to”
Inspirational Moville woman Geraldine Mullan has completed a gruelling marathon hike along the Giant’s Causeway coastline in memory of her beloved mother.
Margaret Connaughton passed away in February 2025, in her 87th year, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
The 26.2-mile fundraising challenge, undertaken on May 30 in aid of Alzheimer’s Society Northern Ireland, held deep personal significance for Geraldine, who described the illness as “the long goodbye.”
Throughout the marathon hike, Geraldine carried the memory of her mother in her heart, alongside those of her late husband John and children Tomás and Amelia, who tragically lost their lives in a road traffic accident at Quigley’s Point in August 2020.
Since that devastating loss, Geraldine has become widely admired for her determination to honour their memories through a series of endurance challenges while helping worthwhile causes.
Despite facing relentless rain for almost the entire route along the Causeway Coast, Geraldine said the weather failed to dampen the spirits of participants as they made their way along one of Ireland’s most spectacular landscapes.
“The scenery and views along the route were beautiful,” she said. “We live in a beautiful country with an amazing coastline, and I took advantage of snapping a few photos along the way.”
From a stunning pre-dawn sky at the start of the hike to a full moon illuminating her journey home, Geraldine described the day as being filled with magical moments.
The challenge also served as an important training exercise following the postponement of a planned trip to Vietnam until September.
Having previously completed only one marathon, the Dublin City Marathon in 2016, Geraldine admitted the prospect of tackling 26.2 miles again was daunting.
However, drawing strength from the memories of her loved ones, she persevered.
“It was step by step and putting one foot in front of the other, like my beloved John, Tomás, Amelia and mum would want me to.”
Crossing the finish line proved an emotional moment as Geraldine reflected on her mother and everyone affected by Alzheimer’s.
“Mum, I hope I did you proud,” she said, recalling the words of her mother’s favourite song: “One day at a time.”