Family of late jockey Michael O'Sullivan to run half-marathon in his memory
The brother and cousin of a jockey who died following a tragic fall during a race earlier in the year are running a half marathon next month in his memory.
24-year-old Michael O'Sullivan died in hospital a week after sustaining injuries in a fall at Thurles Racecourse.
The Cork man had been riding the Gerard O'Leary-trained Wee Charlie in a two-mile handicap chase before coming down, with the jockey requiring immediate medical attention. The brother and cousin of a jockey who died following a tragic fall during a race earlier in the year are running a half marathon next month in his memory. Pic: John Walton/PA Wire
Michael had been in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Cork University Hospital (CUH) where he died in the early hours of Sunday, February 16.
A fundraiser has been launched in Michael's memory with his brother Alan and cousin David running the Cork City Half Marathon, which takes place on June 1, as part of the fundraiser.
All funds raised will go to charity Brú Columbanus, who offer free accommodation to families of patients in hospitals in Cork. Michael had been in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Cork University Hospital (CUH) where he died in the early hours of Sunday, February 16. Pic: Javier Garcia/REX/Shutterstock
An iDonate for the fundraiser has been launched, with almost €30,000 raised so far.
The page said: 'Alan and David O'Sullivan are taking on the Cork City Half Marathon to raise vital funds for Brú Columbanis, a charity close to their hearts. This run is in honour of their beloved brother & cousin, jockey Michael O'Sullivan, and in deep appreciation for the care and support their family received during a time of unimaginable difficulty.
'When Michael was in ICU in CUH, Brú Columbanus became a haven for the O'Sullivan family. It provided a calm, compassionate space where they could be close to Michael, supporting him and each other during those critical days.
'It gave them precious time together — moments that can never be replaced.'
The charity, which offers free accommodations, survives solely on donations with the page noting that this is why Alan and David are 'lacing up their runners.'
At the time of writing, €28,383 has been raised for the fundraiser with donations accepted until July 1, 2025. Donations can be made here.
The Cork City Marathon, Half-Marathon and Mini Marathon take place on Sunday, June 1.
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