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Colin ‘Poshey’ Aherne at the memorial stone to Donal Walsh at the canal, where he laid a medal in memory of his late friend Jemma O’Shea.
THE 31 Day January challenge for#positivementalhealth came to an end yesterday and over €10,000 was raised for three great causes.
The annual event promotes exercise, good mental health, fitness and well being where participants do an activity a day for 31 days and make a contribution to a gofundme page.
This year’s beneficiaries are Baile Mhuire Stroke Unit in Tralee the Alzheimers Society of Ireland and Rise4Daithi.
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Colin ‘Poshey’ Aherne, who organised the event with Caroline Corkery, decided to mark the conclusion of the 2021 fundraiser by paying a special tribute to someone who passed away last year.
“I was going to walk away from the challenge this year, but for the passing of my good friend Jemma O’Shea,” said Poshey.
“Jemma was an ambassador for the 31 day January Challenge. She adored it and Donal Walsh, due to his own cancer battle and the #livelife slogan which Jemma lived by right up to her passing, so for the month of January said I would run 5k a day every day in Jemma’s memory.”
Jemma, from Ballymac, lost her battle with cancer in October of 2020. A member of the local Born To Run club, Jemma was admired by everyone and was always outgoing and active.
“For last day of challenge I laid Jemma’s medal at Donal Walsh’s memorial stone across from his house on Hare Street, where I know Jemma would love go. Thanks to Elma Walsh and family for letting me do this. After, I took a medal to Jemma’s grave as well,” said Poshey.
“I’m lucky to have been able to run for Jemma this month. She loved the Donal Walsh motto #livelife and she definitely did that to her last day. She’s gone but certainly won’t be forgotten,” he added.
