For our 40th anniversary this year, we have decided to have a 'Fundraiser of the Month' throughout the year. This month, we have Stephen McCawille. Stephen has been fundraising for us since 2011 and shares his story below.
“My brother Shaun was diagnosed with MPS II Hunter in 1992 and to raise funds in his honour, I decided to run the Belfast Marathon in 2011. Then four years later I ran the Dublin Marathon and when Shaun sadly passed away in 2016, I decided to do an annual marathon to help fundraise for the MPS Society.
They are a great charity - offering support to my family and I wanted to give back and show my appreciation. Ever since I have had the opportunity to travel around Ireland, UK and Europe running trails, beaches and up mountains including Snowdon and the Alps in 2019 which was a personal highlight.
Recently, my local gym (Chalk Fitness) found out about my fundraising and when my scheduled marathon in La Palma was cancelled due to the volcano erupting, they let me run their 400m route repeatedly for the equivalent of a marathon which was a bit mad (106 times for the record).
This month, I've signed up for the Tralee marathon on the 24th September so have been training hard for that. I'd appreciate it if you could donate to my Just Giving page below as every penny counts.
Shaun was an amazing person with an infectious smile and quiet dignity despite dealing with progressive lifelong health issues and he is missed terribly by all of us but it's nice to do something in his memory.”
The pictures include Stephen running one of his various marathons throughout the years and Shaun, Stephen's brother.
At the MPS Society, we’d like to say a huge thank you to Stephen for his ongoing support!
Edited by Rhia Arden
More information:
If you would like to donate to Stephen's Tralee marathon, please click here.
If you are interested in donating to the MPS Society, please click here.
