My name is Shane, and I'm running an ultramarathon to raise funds for Archie – a challenging 50KM route with 1,800 meters of elevation across the Wicklow Mountains.

Archie is my 8-year-old second cousin from Dublin, and he’s recently been diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a rare and progressive muscle-wasting condition. Without treatment, Archie may be reliant on a wheelchair by the age of 10.

However, there is hope.

A treatment exists in the United States that could slow the progression of his condition, but it comes with a steep price tag of €3.5 million. Archie’s family is racing against time to raise the funds needed to access this potentially life-changing treatment.

To help, I’m running my first-ever ultramarathon on August 9th. I’ll be completing 50KM with 1,800 meters of elevation, running from Marlay Park in Dublin to Glendalough in Wicklow. I’ve never run a marathon, let alone an ultramarathon, but I chose this challenge because, while it’s tough, it’s nothing compared to the challenges that Archie and his family are facing.

I would be deeply grateful if you could consider donating whatever you can. Every euro brings Archie one step closer to the care he deserves. If you’re able to do more, please share this page or even start your own fundraiser.

If you’d like to join me on some or all of the run, we’ll be leaving from Marlay Park in Dublin at 10am on August 9th. The more people who join – even for just the final 3KM – the more donations we can generate. Please come along if you’re able! (Check out the Course Checkpoints page for more details.)

Let’s help give Archie the fighting chance he deserves.