Taoiseach Simon Harris has praised Colin Farrell as he attended an official meeting with the A-Lister.
On Friday, the Irish actor visited the Department of the Taoiseach to talk about the urgent need for funding for patients with epidermolysis bullosa (EB).
Colin has been vocal about his support of EB, and even ran Dublin Marathon in 2024 in honour of his friend Emma Fogarty.
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Emma has been fighting the severe skin ailment for the longest time in Ireland.
Sharing a snap with the actor, Simon Harris wrote: “Great to welcome Colin Farrell to the office today. Determined to work to secure ring-fenced funding for EB patients and also congratulated him on all his work and advocacy in this really important area.”
Last week, Colin Farrell surpassed the Irish record for the Dublin Marathon by raising around €800,000 throughout his marathon.
After boosting their goal from €400,000, Colin ran an amazing final time of 4:06:45, with Emma joining him for the last 4km of the marathon.
As they crossed the finish line together, Colin stated that the pain he experienced during the marathon paled in contrast to the daily suffering Emma experiences as a result of her disease, which is also referred to as “butterfly skin.”
“That run was nothing compared to the pain she is forced to endure every single day, even though she doesn’t show it,” Colin confessed.
“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.”
Colin Farrell with Emma Fogarty during the 2024 Irish Life Dublin Marathon
October 27, 2024#ColinFarrell pic.twitter.com/PvuGOqAcju— Colin Farrell Updates💚🤍🧡 (@CFarrellUpdates) October 27, 2024
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.
“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.”
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Colin Farrell takes part in the Dublin Marathon
October 27, 2024#ColinFarrell pic.twitter.com/KvCemOBN6Y— Colin Farrell Updates💚🤍🧡 (@CFarrellUpdates) October 27, 2024
Last week, Colin set a new goal to raise €1 million for the charity Debra ahead of the Dublin Marathon beginning.
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.”
“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.
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“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.
