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Running for Love: Why Paul Is Hitting the Streets of Dublin

Picture this: it’s October 26, 2025. The crisp Dublin autumn air carries the cheers of thousands. One man — Paul McKenna — is about to take off on his greatest race yet: not just running a marathon, but running for something far bigger than himself.

Paul’s “first ever marathon” is more than a bucket-list tick — it’s a tribute, a gift, a declaration of love. See, his daughter Aoife (14) lives with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, and in her everyday life, she displays a strength, courage, and joy that leave any spectator in awe. Paul says: “The challenge I face on the road is nothing compared to what Aoife deals with each and every day. She is my hero.”

Paul and Aoife out getting the miles in - Rocky soundtrack playing in their heads :)

Why Run?

Running 42.195 km is no joke. Blisters, muscle fatigue, the dreaded wall — these are all real. But Paul has reasons that make every step meaningful:

  • Giving back to SBHI. Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland provides support, advocacy, and community to families dealing with these conditions. Paul and his family want to help boost their mission.

  • Inspiration. Aoife is an inspiration. Running this marathon is Paul’s way of showing her (and the world) that love and courage propel us forward.

  • Community & connection. By sharing his journey, Paul invites others to join — whether by donating, cheering, sharing, or even joining the marathon movement themselves.


Paul getting the cold water recovery in on holidays in Switzerland
Paul getting the cold water recovery in on holidays in Switzerland

🎯 The Goal

  • Fund target: €3,000

  • Amount raised so far: €2,150 — 72% of the way there



Every bit counts. A small donation, a share on social media, a word of encouragement — they all push the goal forward.

🏃‍♂️ Training (and Suffering) with a Smile

Running a marathon is part physical endurance, part mental game, part silly self-talk when your legs say “no more.” Paul acknowledges he’s going to suffer — but “every step I take is driven by love for Aoife.”

Imagine morning jogs along quiet roads, early alarm clocks, foam rollers and stretching, perhaps a few “I can’t do this” moments — and then the rallying thought: “I can, because this matters.”

How You Can Help

Here’s where readers (or your audience) become heroes, too:

  • Donate, even a small amount helps bridge the gap to €3,000.

  • Share Paul’s fundraising page far and wide. Social reach = potential donors. The page even warns: “By sharing this on social media you can help to raise up to 5 times more!”

  • Send encouragement. Kind words or messages help morale on the long runs.

  • Join in future events. If Paul’s journey inspires someone else, that multiplies the impact.


Paul is doing this run not just for a medal, but to lift up SBHI, to honor Aoife, and to show that when love motivates us, we can push through fatigue, doubt, and pain.

So: mark October 26 on your calendar. Cheer for him. Share the story. Let’s help Paul cross that finish line — and in doing so, help families across Ireland who lean on SBHI for hope and support.



 
 
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