Tom does his late mum proud in Seattle

We did it: Tom O’Shea (left) and Mark Healy at the finish line in Seattle

A POPULAR Killarney sportsman beat his own target time in the Seattle Half Marathon at the weekend in tribute to his late mother who passed away in March.

And in the process, Tom O’Shea raised close on €3,500 for the Kerry Hospice Foundation who cared for her in the final weeks of her illness.

Tom, who works with the Football Association of Ireland and is a former star player with both Killarney Celtic and Dr Crokes, joined over 9,000 runners at the start line in Seattle and he was delighted to finish in the first 30 per cent in a time of two hours, 10 minutes and 47 seconds, just over four minutes ahead of his target time.

He was joined on the run by his wife Breda’s nephew, Mark Healy, son of Billy and Noreen Healy, formerly of Dalton’s Avenue, Killarney and now living in Seattle.

Jon done: Tom beat his personal target time

Tom’s mum, Mary, was diagnosed with cancer in February and passed away, at the age of 93, just six weeks later. He decided to run the half marathon in her memory and to support the Kerry Hospice through an online fundraising campaign.

“In her final weeks, she was cared for by the palliative care team in University Hospital Kerry and she spent her final week in Killarney Community Hospital.

“The respect and dignity she was shown and the care she received by all of the staff was a great comfort to us,” said Tom.

Shortly after crossing the finish line, Tom remarked: “My mom was a legend. I hope I did her proud”.

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