A Northern Ireland drama therapist and her brother-in-law have teamed up to run this year's London Marathon in memory of her late father.
Elizabeth Murphy, 33, and Paddy Cunningham, 35 from Armagh will take their place in the UK’s most famous race this Sunday to raise funds for end of life charity Marie Curie.
Nurses from the charity cared for their dad Sean Murphy in his final weeks at home before he died in September last year at the age of 73.
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Despite never running in her life and previously “hating it”, Elizabeth says she's now ready for the challenge.
“When my dad died last year, the world around me collapsed. It was a difficult time. Losing someone who was a big part of my life. Losing your daddy is never going to be easy.
“Paddy suggested doing something in his memory like running a marathon. I had never liked it and preferred walking but I decided doing this would be something to focus on.
"I found when I was running it helped me with my grief as I could free my mind. I now have the running bug and get out whenever I can.
“It is great for my physical and mental health - I would recommend anyone to get their trainers on and get outside. It has been amazing therapy for me.”
Elizabeth added: “My dad’s diagnosis was very quick but we managed to make some special memories in his final months. The care he received from Marie Curie was incredible.
"The nurses are like walking angels and so caring and compassionate - I don’t know how they do it."
Marie Curie nurses provide round the clock care to people with life-limiting and terminal conditions in the local community or at one of their nine hospices throughout the UK, including Belfast.
Elizabeth comes from a large close knit family with three sisters, twins aged 32, and an older sister aged 37. Her dad Sean – a former Translink bus driver and inspector had beaten bowel cancer in 2015 and was in remission.
After his brother died of cancer in October 2021, he requested an urgent cancer check-up scan which thankfully was all clear. But five months later, Sean went to his dentist complaining of pain in his mouth and was given an unexpected diagnosis.
“The dentist called mum back and advised that he should go and see his GP as his speech was off,” Elizabeth explained.
Sean visited his GP and was referred to hospital for scans, which tragically showed he had a brain tumour and only months to live.
Elizabeth added: “He gathered all the family in a room and told us the news. It was important for dad to share this news with us all together. It was hard for him to process never mind having to tell his girls and my mum.
“I was absolutely devastated and in complete shock. My world fell apart but dad was very practical. He had already decided that he didn’t want to die in hospital and wanted to spend quality time with his family and die at home instead.”
So they set about making memories across Ireland visiting his favourite place in Donegal where the family had a caravan and where Sean enjoyed his weekends and holidays as well as his country music.
Elizabeth said: “My dad loved visiting Bundoran in Co Donegal, it was his second home. We used to go there on family holidays as children. It holds a special place in our hearts with so many happy memories.
His favourite Irish country singers were John Glen and Michael English and he used to love listening to Radio Star Country.
“My dad never had a passport so he used to just holiday all over Ireland as he said everything you need is in Ireland. He loved his country and his family,” added Elizabeth.
When his condition deteriorated in the last weeks of his life, the family called in Marie Curie nurses for support with his care.
Elizabeth added: “They came when we needed them most. Dad had supported them selling their raffle tickets for over twenty years after they had cared for his brother when he was sick. The nurses would sit up during the night with dad ensuring that we could get some rest.
“My dad loved to share stories and always loved having a laugh. When dad had the energy I could hear him sharing stories with the nurses and they would be laughing together. Sharing memories and talking of the connections of people they knew and hearing that made me smile.
“My dad lived life to the full and he would say ‘every day is a good day’ when the curtains were opened in his room and the light shone in. I am raising money to support the great work these nurses do to help support other families when they need them most.”
A couple of months after her dad died, Elizabeth was looking for some way of keeping her dad’s memory alive and after Paddy suggested doing a marathon she jumped at the chance despite not liking running.
Elizabeth - who now lives and works in Liverpool - added: “I signed up to do the London Marathon as a personal challenge, but never thought I would get picked as there is so much competition for places.
"My dad would have loved us doing the marathon as he loved Marie Curie and it would give him a great story to tell. He loved (having the craic and) telling stories and having a laugh. His smile and laugh were infectious and would light up whatever room he was in. I miss him so much.
“Once I started running I couldn’t stop as I realised it helped me cope with my grief. I have been training hard and going running 3/4 nights a week after work and do a few hour runs every weekend.
"I have also been doing Park runs whenever I can and I have even done my first half marathon which wasn’t actually too bad.
“On the day I am not bothered about my time, but it is happening two days after my dad’s birthday so I know he will be watching.”
Paddy added: “I’m so grateful for the care and support the Marie Curie nurses gave to Sean and all the family during the most difficult time.
"Their care and compassion made a huge difference. Sean was hugely grateful for the care he and his brother received from Marie Curie.
“Elizabeth and I decided to apply to run the London marathon for Marie Curie to raise support and funds. We thought it would be something that Sean would be proud of and was fitting to honour him.
"We are very humbled by the support we’ve received so far and will need every bit we can to get around the 26.2 miles on Sunday.”
Renate Kyle, chair of the Marie Curie Armagh fundraising group, added: “It has been a privilege to be involved with Elizabeth supporting her marathon challenge in memory of her dad Sean.
"We are so grateful for her and her brother-in-law's dedication in doing the training and marathon and their support.
“Every donation that Marie Curie receives allows us to continue our vital work to support terminally ill people in the community providing care, advice and support.”
To donate to Elizabeth and Paddy’s online fundraiser click here.
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