Glenswilly’s own Joe Gibbons has reached the true finish line of his marathon fundraiser after presenting €26,500 to charity.
Joe ran the New York City marathon this year in under three hours, setting a personal best and raising €13,250 each for Cancer Care West Support Centre Donegal and Pieta.
Father-of-two Joe’s inspiring journey started after he was diagnosed with lymphoma in the summer of 2022. He completed chemotherapy by last Christmas. Now in remission, Joe was in flying form on the streets of New York in November and achieved a personal best of 2:52:26.
Yesterday was another highlight for Joe as he handed over the cheques to representatives from his chosen charities.
Joe Gibbons presents half the proceeds of his New York City Marathon fundraiser to Patrica Doherty, Cancer Care West
Joe Gibbons presents proceeds of his New York City Marathon fundraiser to Joe Burke, Pieta.
Joe, an athlete and footballer with three county medals, set himself the task of raising funds for Cancer Care West Support Centre Donegal and Pieta to let people know that there is life after chemo. Both charities provide crucial services that offer people hope and comfort in the most difficult times.
Joe’s support crew in New York included his wife, Susanna, and their friends Paul and Geraldine Rodgers and Tommy and Louise Duddy. At home, Joe and Susanna’s boys, Jack (8) and six-year-old Oisin, were cheering him on, and he was boosted by the support of his family and friends every step of the way.
Susanna and Joe after the NYC Marathon
Joe Gibbons in the TCS New York City Marathon on 5th November 2023
Joe has also issued words of thanks to Martin Goldrick, his General Manager in Currys Letterkenny, who put great energy into organising the fundraiser and keeping the momentum going for the last few months. He also thanks his sister Breda from Hairdos in Churchill who used her annual Christmas charity fundraiser to support Joe’s chosen charities.
“Thank you to everyone that donated, big or small, and sent messages and well wishes and congratulations,” says Joe.
