Tom McGrath, seen here at a sunnier time of year, will be running this coming Sunday for Lisa Cullen and her son Kayden
By Ray O’Hanlon
Tom McGrath is lacing up his running shoes.
And he’s inviting any and all to lace up too.
Not necessarily to run with him though.
“They can run, walk, talk with me,” said the Fermanagh native and long distance runner who will be taking to the grass and trails of Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx this Sunday, Feb. 11, for a five hour run starting at 9 a.m.
McGrath, who has run across America, will start at 251st Street and Broadway and will finish up at 2 p.m. outside Rory Dolan’s on McLean Avenue in Yonkers, where many others will be gathering for a fundraiser in aid of Lisa Cullen, a young County Leitrim woman fighting a brain tumor.
A number of organizations have pooled resources to put together the fundraiser which will continue until 10 p.m.
The benefit will feature a range of attractions and activities including the auctioning of a variety of items including signed jerseys by some of Ireland’s leading Gaelic sports stars, signed memorabilia from soccer and boxing stars, airline flights to the All Ireland finals, All Ireland football and hurling tickets, Yankees box tickets, Rangers tickets, concert tickets, vacation trips, as well as an array of gift baskets, vouchers and merchandise for all ages and tastes.
Lisa was diagnosed with the tumor late last November when she was seven months pregnant. Along with father Paul Friel, she is now the proud mother of a son, Kayden, who was delivered by caesarian section.
“Lisa is a very brave young woman and I am proud to be running for her and her family,” said Tom McGrath.
“As I said, you don’t have to turn up and run with me. By all means walk, by all means talk. But please turn up,” he said.
Donations can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/lisa-babykayden
