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Colin Farrell completes Dublin Marathon in aid of charity Debra

Colin Farrell has completed the Dublin Marathon in aid of the charity Debra.

The actor was one of the 20,000 participants who ran the 26.2-mile marathon this Sunday in Dublin City.

The Penguin star completed the feat to support people living with epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a rare genetic skin condition.

Colin also did so in honour of his close friend Emma Fogarty, Ireland’s longest-surviving EB patient.

The Irish star clocked an impressive time as he crossed the finish line with a time of four hours, six minutes and 45 seconds.while raising €700,000 for his chosen charity.

For the last four kilometers, the 48-year-old pushed Emma in her wheelchair.

After the pair crossed the finish line, Colin confessed: “I have known Emma for many years and she epitomises bravery, she is what courage and pure determination are all about.”

Hollywood star Colin Farrell meets friend Emma Fogarty 4km from the finish line of today’s Irish Life Dublin Marathon, completing a mammoth fundraising drive for Debra, the national charity supporting the 300 people living with epidermolysis bullosa (EB) in Ireland. Donations can still be made at debra.ie/runto40 or by calling 01-902 3938. Picture: Alejandra Livschitz/Debra.

“That run was nothing compared to the pain she is forced to endure every single day, even though she doesn’t show it.

“It was an honour to see her waiting for me with 4km to go, each of those representing a decade of her life, and to do the final stretch together. I’ll never forget it.”

Emma said she was determined to celebrate her 40th birthday in June in dramatic fashion – because those with her form of EB rarely live beyond 35.

“This was a dream come true for me and I want to thank Colin, who has been the most supportive, generous and loyal friend I could wish for,” she said.

Hollywood star Colin Farrell and friend Emma Fogarty are welcomed into Dublin’s Shelbourne Hotel following their successful ‘Run to 40’ fundraiser for Debra, the national charity supporting the 300 people living with epidermolysis bullosa (EB) in Ireland. Donations can still be made at debra.ie/runto40 or by calling 01-902 3938. Picture: Alejandra Livschitz/Debra.

“He has always shown his compassion and empathy for people living with EB and is true champion in my eyes.

“Running a marathon is never easy but once he committed to it there was no going back, he is a man of his word.”

This week, Colin set a new goal to raise €1 million for the charity Debra ahead of the Dublin Marathon beginning.


He and Emma initially set a target of €400,000 but surpassed that amount after appearing on The Late Late Show last week.

Colin will took on Emma’s Run to 40 by completing October’s Irish Life Dublin Marathon.

As planned, Emma joined him in a wheelchair for the final stages of the 42km race.

Speaking about his close friend, Colin admitted: “Emma Fogarty is not only the strongest person I’ve ever met and a true warrior, I’m lucky enough to call her a friend.”

Picture: Andres Poveda

“For years now, I’ve been fortunate enough to bear witness not only to her courage and her vulnerability but her humour, her stubbornness and her great, great heart too.”

“The fact that I’m getting to run the Irish Life Dublin Marathon with my friend to celebrate her 40th birthday is something I’m so excited about. She’s already won the whole day!”

On Wednesday, Ray D’Arcy announced that the HSE had pledged €125,000 in core funding to Debra.

While Colin was eternally grateful for the commitment, he highlighted the larger funding gap for EB patients.

“It’s hard to see the need and the suffering up close and personal through my relationship with my pal Emma and know that there’s a broader amount of suffering going on with a further 300 people living with EB in Ireland.

“If you have to leave a few potholes uncovered or not build a bridge, so be it… more needs to be done.”

Echoing the sentiment, Emma questioned how infrastructure projects could be prioritised over the needs of those who are most disadvantaged: “How are the sick and more vulnerable not more important than a bike shed?” she said.

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