01-07-2025
Wexford dad surpasses €35k with first step of marathon fundraiser inspired by his daughter
Inspired by his beloved daughter Jennie, Andrew set himself the goal of completing a 2.1 mile swim, cycling 210 miles and running 21 miles. As if that wasn't enough, on September 21 he will attempt to complete one of the most difficult endurance races in the world – the Wales Ironman – and, finally, on October 26, he will seek to complete the Dublin City Marathon in 3 hours and 47 minutes.
He's doing all of this to raise funds with the lofty goal of raising €210,000 for Wexford Special Olympics Club and Windmill Therapeutic, two services that do great work with Jennie and her friends.
The determined Dad is certainly off to a great start, having raised more than €35,000 with the first event, the people of Rosslare Strand and surrounding areas having been of great support.
"We started the challenge with the most spectacular 3.38km midnight swim where over 40 people came to support,' Andrew says. 'I started the 338km bike segment at 2 a.m. and completed it shortly before 5 p.m. Then after a short break, I started the 33.8km run and completed that by 10.15 p.m.
"The support on the bike was equally fantastic with people from all around the county and beyond joining in. The run support from Wexford Triathlon Club was the icing on the cake to get me over the line. However, the biggest reward for me was seeing all the fun at the event on the green.'
With Jennie holding down the fort, there was all kinds of family fun in the village, with nearly €10,000 raised on the day alone.
While blown away by the support he's received so far, Andrew is already firmly focused on the next challenge.
"It'll be some rest and recovery now before we move onto the next challenge – Ironman Wales on September 21,' he said. 'Thank you to everyone who has donated and helped raise funds to date, from me and Jennie.'
