Her life and death had a profound effect on the people of Ardara.
At her funeral a letter she wrote touched mourners. Part of it read: “Live for today. Love for today. Laugh louder today than yesterday.”
Her brother Michael is planning a 10K run to honour her tomorrow – and to raise money for the people who helped Martina and his family through that ordeal.
Michael has issued a final reminder and is hoping hundreds of people will take part in the walk and run for charity.
Michael told donegaldaily.com today: “Martina was diagnosed last year with Leukemia and sadly lost her battle and passed away back in January.
“When she was getting treatment back in October in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital I decided I wanted to organise a 10k fun/run and walk to raise proceeds for her Hospital.
“We obtained a full race permit certified by Athletics Ireland issued by and thanks to Neil Martin of the Finn Valley Athletic club.
“Now that she has passed we want even more for this race to be a success and for her memory to be hugely remembered and honoured on the day.
“We are just a few hours away and we hope hundreds of people will make time to come along tomorrow, Saturday. The walk/race starts at 2pm. Runners and walkers both go at this time. Registration is held from 11am on the morning in the Ardara parish Centre located in the chapel grounds, registration is open up until 5 minutes before race time.
“Entry fees are 10euro for adults and 5euro for students and youth. Prizes for all categories. Refreshments served after the race in the registration area. Race will begin and end in the Chapel Car Park. Everyone is welcome.
“All proceeds of this event will go to Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin and a local charity called The Charlie Bennett Fund.”
There is a Facebook page called Ardara 10k, all this information and much more can be found here, here is the link:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ardara-10k-Charity-Fun-RunWalk/132773896841888
A poster on the event is below: donegaldaily.com is asking our 150,000 readers to get behind the event, take part if you can – or make a donation in memory of Martina.