Dunderry dad's marathon act of gratitude to hospital that transformed his young son’s life

A DUNDERRY father has turned one of Ireland’s toughest sporting challenges into a powerful act of gratitude, raising nearly €12,000 for the hospital that transformed his young son’s life.

When Rob Doherty crossed the finish line of the Dublin Marathon, it marked not just the end of 26.2 miles, but the culmination of a deeply personal journey shaped by his son Liam’s early diagnosis and years of care at CHI Temple Street —an experience that inspired a community to rally behind one family’s mission to give back.

“Initially, we only set out to raise €2,000 but as the weeks went on it just kept growing and growing,” said Rob. “The generosity of the local people and companies in Dunderry and beyond was phenomenal. To eventually hit €11,750 by race day was overwhelming”.

Rob took on the marathon inspired by the journey his family has been on since Liam was born in 2021 with bilateral talipes, commonly known as clubfoot, affecting both feet.

The condition was first found during a scan while Rob’s wife Elaine was pregnant and came as a big shock to the couple.

Like many parents faced with unexpected news during pregnancy, Rob says the uncertainty was difficult. “You’re on the computer googling what it is and what it can be linked to. It was a very hard pregnancy for Elaine because there was always that worry.”

Liam is the youngest of three boys, with older brothers Jack and Harry. Both pregnancies had been straightforward, so the diagnosis came as a surprise. “It was a bit of a shock when everything had gone so well with the first two,” Rob said.

When Liam was born, his feet were turned inward. Rob explained that Liam was born with his feet fully 90 degrees turned in. Despite the diagnosis, Rob said the family felt enormous relief when their son arrived safely. “Other than his feet, he was perfect. We were thrilled and delighted.”

A few weeks later, Liam began attending CHI Temple Street for treatment.

Liam was placed in casts that ran from his toes to his hips on both legs, which were changed weekly over a six-week period. Each week the casts were removed and his feet were adjusted before new casts were applied. After six weeks, he underwent a procedure to help improve movement in his feet. Following that, Liam began wearing boots and bars designed to keep his feet in the correct position.

“For the first year he wore the boots and bars 24 hours a day,” Rob said. After that initial year, Liam continued wearing them every night. “You’d put the boots and bars on him every night going to bed."

As he grew older, this became more challenging and if he wanted to turn over in the bed he had to flip his whole body.

To make things easier, Rob and his wife Elaine found a routine that worked. “We’d put the boots on him and when he fell asleep we’d go up and attach the bar,” he explained. Liam wore the boots and bars every night until he turned four last August. Now he is out of them, although he continues to attend follow-up appointments and physiotherapy.

Despite everything he has been through, Rob says Liam approaches it all with remarkable positivity. “He’s brilliant with it. He’s never afraid going up and the doctors and physios make a game out of things for him.”

Now preparing to start school, Liam spends his days playing with his brothers. “He’s always happy and smiling and laughing. He’s just an absolute joy.”

Watching his son grow and thrive inspired Rob to take on the Dublin Marathon. “I’ve always wanted to do the marathon. But the reason for doing it was to give something back.”

On race day, Rob says the atmosphere in Dublin carried him through the toughest moments. “The support from the crowds is phenomenal. You’re struggling and strangers are calling your name telling you to keep going.”

Completing the marathon and raising €12,000 for Children’s Health Foundation made the effort worthwhile. “It’s brilliant to be able to give something back,” he said.

Now, he hopes his story will encourage others to consider taking part. “If you’re even thinking about it at all, definitely do it. It’s such a good cause.”