Last year, while the Cork Marathon was on, my wife's mother was in Marymount Hospice living her last days. It was an incredibly tough time for the family. The staff of Marymount made it all the more bearable by being supportive, caring and understanding.

We drove into that Hospice everyday and even though it was tough we knew that she was being looked after and cared for by people who understood what was needed by everyone in the family.

So I am running the marathon in memory of Catherine and to support the staff of Marymount. They were, and are, amazing in a time when families need love and support.