Gortahork couple raising money for charity as they tackle Chicago Marathon

Nora Fitzgerald and Liam Mullan are a couple from Gortahork who have decided to run the Chicago Marathon this October.

Neither of the couple have ever ran a marathon before. Both of them have always wanted to run one. Last year Nora ran the Glentarf half and the VHI mini marathon. 

“This year we thought this would be a good challenge, we could both do it together” Nora told Donegallive.

Both of them work so finding time to train can be difficult. Liam put together a training plan for both of them.

Liam works 12 hour shifts, which makes it difficult for him to find the time to train but he has his plan all mapped out and ready. 

Nora Fitzgerald is training for the Chicago Marathon

They are both very dedicated. Liam began training back in December. Nora started back running in March.

The couple are currently running 26 km but that is increasing weekly as they do four small runs during the week and then go on a long run at the weekend.

As part of their preparation they will run the Longford Half Marathon in two weeks time.

They have decided to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House charities. One of the reasons they chose this charity was because it would be tangible for Ireland with the house in Crumlin.

Liam Mullan is raising money for the Ronald McDonald House

“There are over 370 families in Donegal using it and I spent a summer in Crumlin Children Hospital as a pharmacy student, so I understood the importance of having a facility like that. 

“They provide support and accommodation for families of the children who are being treated in the hospital.”

In order to fundraise for the event the couple thought it would be nice to do a coffee morning. Nora and her mother like to bake a lot so they thought this would be a suitable way to fundraise.

Nora has previous experience organising fundraisers as last year she helped organise an afternoon tea for the Letterkenny Hospice.

The coffee morning will take place on Sunday, September 1 between 9:30-12:30 in Gortahork.

There will be tea, coffee and lots of nice treats. The runners hope to meet some people who would like to donate. As a gesture of goodwill towards everyone who donates, Nora and Liam will put a hamper together. Anyone who donates will get their name put in a hat and the winner will receive the basket.

If people want to donate but don’t think they will be able to make it to the coffee morning, they can contact Nora on 087 902 4888.