Moylagh JFK Challenge hits the €1m mark for cancer charities
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The committee of the Moylagh JFK 50 Mile Challenge celebrating a decade of successful fundraising.Image 2 of 6
Margret Claffey, Palliative Care, with Tess Scully.Image 3 of 6
Briga Gorman of LARCC with Grainne McEvoy.Image 4 of 6
Sarah Beakey of the Irish Cancer Society with Eamonn Fitzsimons.Image 5 of 6
Gerry McDonnell presenting the Anna Frances McDonnell Team Award to Team Utmost’s Edel McDonnell and Jennifer Reilly. GerryImage 6 of 6
Gerry McDonnell accepting the Sadie Fitzsimons Cup from Eamonn Fitzsimons on behalf of Conor Madden. GerryThe Moylagh JFK 50 Mile Challenge has raised an incredible €1,068,883 for cancer services and research since it first started 11 years ago.
The final amount raised was unveiled in McEvoy’s pub in Dromone. This year, the annual event took place on 11th June and saw participants take up the challenge of completing 50 miles in under 20 hours or less to raise vital funds for cancer patients and their families. A total of €91,333 was raised in 2022, with funds going to the Irish Cancer Society, LARCC and local Palliative Care groups.
Moylagh JFK 50 Mile Challenge committee member Eamon Fitzsimons presented a cheque for €73,067 to Irish Cancer Society representative Sarah Beakey. The Sarah Fitzsimons Cup, an award for the individual who raises the most money that year, was presented to Conor Madden from Cork. Navan group Utmost International were the recipients of The Anna Frances Memorial Award as the team who raised the most money in 2022.
Johnny Guirke, chairperson of the Moylagh JFK 50 Mile Challenge Committee said: “We are extremely proud to have raised over €1 million for cancer services and research over the last 11 years. We would like to thank each and every walker/runner from all corners of the country who took part over the years. Without them, we wouldn’t have been able to raise this money for the Irish Cancer Society, LARCC and local Palliative Care groups.
“We are very grateful to our local community of Moylagh and surrounding parishes and townlands who get really involved every year. Throughout the day of the walk local people are always out in force to help out with catering, stewarding, volunteering as drivers and handing out water.”
Rosemary Simmons, Irish Cancer Society Head of Fundraising said: “The Moylagh JFK 50 Mile Challenge is a unique event that brings the community together in a very special way. It has raised a life-changing amount of money that helps support cancer patients and their families. The Irish Cancer Society is extremely grateful to be part of this and we would like to say a big well done, and massive thanks to all involved.”
Around 50 per cent of those that started the walk on 11th June managed to finish it, the highest percentage of finishers over the 11 years.
The challenge is to complete 50 miles in under 20 hours walking or running across Meath, Westmeath and Cavan. This year’s event attracted people from across Ireland, Europe, America and Australia and it is the largest charity 50 mile challenge in the world.
The committee would like to thank each and every person who took part in this year’s challenge
Raising over €1m for cancer services is a massive achievement for such a small community but without the support of the surrounding communities in Meath, Cavan and Westmeath it would not be possible.
Gerry McDonnell of the organisers said: "We are looking forward to June 2023 and having everyone back again. We really appreciate everyone who signs up to the challenge, even signing up for five miles really makes a difference."