The Dublin marathon is always an event that attracts colour and stimulates participants to come up with peculiar fundraiser ideas. Last year's race was no exception when Dublin fireman Padraig Thompson donned a 40kg mannequin to showcase his support for those suffering from mental illness.
And when the 2015 marathon kicks off next Monday, Thompson will put his next abstract fundraiser project into practise.
Thompson plans to run the 26 miles blindfolded as a symbolic gesture to all young people battling with their own personal darkness. The Clondalkin based philanthropist will be attached to another runner to guide him through the route and all funds gathered will be donated to Our Lady's Children's Hospital.
Support Dublin F/F Podge Thompson running Dublin Marathon carrying 35 kilo mannequin in aid of SOS @DubCityCouncil pic.twitter.com/6vtjZG3qWE — Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) October 23, 2014
Padraig Thompson says that his motivation for such an unusual idea comes from the many tragedies faced by young people that he has witnessed in his line of work.
This year I have chosen to take on this difficult challenge, not only to raise awareness for all those little superheroes out there that sometimes need help when no one else can see them looking for help, but also in a bid to raise much needed funds for Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Crumlin.
As a father, both my four year old son and my 13 year old stepson have paid visits to the hospital but it is my work as a fireman that made me realise just how important this hospital is to the safety, health and lives of our children.
The 2015 Dublin marathon takes place next Monday October 26th and donations to Padraig 'Podge' Thompson can be made via this link: http://www.cmrf.org/user_main/fundraiser/35194
