Mayo garda raises €22,300 for Hospice while undergoing cancer treatment

Mayo Garda Rita Casey has raised €22,300 for Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation as a result of taking part in the Dublin City Marathon.

On the day of the marathon, she was honoured with the Lord Mayor’s Medal for running her fifth Dublin City Marathon under exceptional circumstances.

A native of Donegal, Rita received over 40 nominations for the medal, which was presented by Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daithí de Róiste.

From Malin Head, Rita is a member of An Garda Siochana and is stationed in Charlestown.

She ran the marathon while undergoing chemotherapy for brain and lung cancer.

She was diagnosed in 2021 and previously fought breast cancer.

The mum-of-three finds running a great source of stress relief, and with the assistance of medication, she completed the 42.2KM event in just four hours and four minutes.

Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation has been a huge support to Rita and her family since her diagnosis.

CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice, Martina Jennings, said: “Rita is one of the nicest, kindest and bravest ladies I know. To undertake such a challenge and raise over €22,000 in the process, is phenomenal.

"We are so grateful to Rita for choosing Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation and her donation will go a long way in supporting those with life limiting conditions.

"The funds will ensure that we provide the best facilities and services possible to both the patients and their families, in both Mayo and Roscommon.

"On behalf of the Foundation, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Rita for all her fundraising efforts and we wish her well as she continues her treatment.”