THE daughter of a Killarney man who passed away from a rare and aggressive form of cancer has raised a remarkable €14,060 – and counting – in his memory for the Kerry Hospice Foundation.
Brendan Aherne, from Upper Lissivigeen, Killarney, lost his battle last September, just eight months after being diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer which attacks the cells in the body.
His daughter, Jennifer, and her cousin, Joe Aherne from Kilworth, Co Cork, opted to hit the road with a vengeance to remember him and to generate funds for the hospice where Brendan had spent his final days.
Jennifer set herself a target of running 30km each week before she’s 30 and the task amounted to a whopping 300km in 10 weeks.
She and her cousin Joe hope to complete a half marathon on her 30th birthday next week to finish off the great challenge.
“Although we can’t run together, we will be encouraging one another virtually,” she said.
Jennifer said her family is really grateful for the amazing care and kindness shown to Brendan at the Palliative Care Centre in Tralee.
“Dr Maggie Clifford led a dedicated team who ensured that dad was comfortable and pain free,” said Jennifer.
“They also supported our family at such a difficult time and we will never forget their kindness. We are so lucky to have such a great facility in Kerry and my mother, Noreen, my brothers Jason and Rory, and I are beyond grateful. All funds raised will go directly to this great cause”.
Jennifer said from the moment of his diagnosis, her dad was so strong and positive and he always remained hopeful.
“Dad was gentle, caring and funny. He had an appreciation of nature and the outdoors and had a lovely calm and laid back way about him. We try our best to live each day by his example,” she said.
Brendan was a carpenter, bee-keeper, bird watcher and avid soccer fan with a love for the simple things in life.
The iDonate fundraising page will remain open until the end of May and to contribute go to https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/11399441_in-memory-of-brendan-aherne.html
