“What courage is all about” is how the Hollywood star described Emma Fogarty, the longest-surviving person in Ireland with the genetic disorder epidermolysis bullosa (EB).
Miss Fogarty was born without skin on her right arm and left foot, a disease known as butterfly skin, which causes painful blisters at the first touch.
In four hours, six minutes, and forty-five seconds, 48-year-old Farrell completed the 42-kilometer (26-mile) run.
Ten years of Miss Fogarty’s life were symbolized by each of the race’s last four kilometers. Doctors initially warned her parents that she would not likely survive at age 40.
They had set a €400,000 (£333,000) goal for their Run To 40 campaign to collect money for Debra, the national organization that supports persons with EB, but after Last Week’s €470,000 (£391,000) donation from Late Late Show fans, they now hope to raise €1 million (£833,000).
Now, the total is over €694,000 (£578,000).
“Not even close to the suffering she endures on a daily basis.”
After the two crossed the finish line at Upper Mount Street shortly before 1pm on Sunday, Oscar-nominated Farrell, who is now acting in Sky Atlantic’s The Penguin, said: “I have known Emma for many years, and she epitomizes bravery; she is what courage and pure determination are all about.”
