Mayo community running Dublin Marathon for Peach

FROM first-time marathon runners to a woman preparing for her 262nd marathon, 56 runners will take to the streets of Dublin this Sunday, October 25, in memory of much-loved Kiltimagh man Shane ‘Peach’ Freeman, raising funds for Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation.

Peach, a husband, father of three, teacher, golfer and keen runner, passed away on September 2, 2025, aged just 50, following a six-and-a-half-year battle with colorectal cancer.

What began as an idea to honour his memory has grown into an extraordinary community effort, bringing together family, friends, neighbours and runners from all walks of life.

Peach completed the Dublin City Marathon himself in 2017 and 2018, just months before receiving his cancer diagnosis.

The original ambition was to recruit 50 runners, one for each of Peach's 50 wonderful years. That target has now been surpassed, with 56 people preparing to take on the 42.2km challenge.

The next ambition is to raise €50,000 for Mayo Roscommon Hospice - €1,000 for every year of Peach's life. You can show your support here.

The group, Peach's Runners, features first-time marathon runners who only took up running this year, alongside an experienced female runner who will be completing her remarkable 262nd marathon, including her 25th Dublin City Marathon.

Making the occasion even more special is the participation of Peach's own family, including his two brothers, Barry and Mark Freeman, and his sister-in-law Tara Gibney, who only began running in January and will be completing her first marathon.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's event, Peach's wife, Orla Freeman, said: "When we first came up with this idea, I never imagined it would grow into something like this. Peach always said he had 50 wonderful years, so we thought wouldn't it be something special to have 50 people running a marathon in his memory.

"To now have 56 runners, including members of his own family, is something I find very hard to put into words.

"But what makes me even prouder is everything that has happened along the way. People have taken up running, challenged themselves to do things they never thought possible, formed friendships and supported one another through months of training.

"Peach was always someone who encouraged others to give things a go and enjoy life. I know he would be so proud of every single one of them."

GIVING BACK TO HOSPICE

Peach spent the final 11 weeks of his life in Mayo Hospice in Castlebar, where he and his family experienced the extraordinary care and support provided by hospice staff.

"Hospice gave us so much more than medical care. They gave us precious time together as a family, opportunities to make memories and support that has continued for myself and our three boys since Peach died.

"Knowing that the money raised will help other families, including through the development of children's hospice services in the west, makes this fundraising effort even more meaningful."

The campaign has received tremendous support from local businesses, sporting clubs, community organisations and individuals, all helping to make Peach's Runners something far greater than originally imagined.

"One of the things that has helped us so much since losing Peach is seeing just how loved he was. Every runner, every donation and every act of kindness reminds our three boys of the impact their dad had on people's lives,” said Orla.

"Of course, there is sadness too. We are doing all of this because Peach is no longer here. But keeping his memory alive in such a positive way, while helping other families, means so much to us.

"This has become about more than remembering Peach. It is about community, friendship, believing in yourself and making a difference. I think he would absolutely love that."

FINAL APPEAL FOR SUPPORT

With marathon day just days away, Peach's Runners are hoping to reach their fundraising target of €50,000 - €1,000 for each of Peach's 50 wonderful years.

"These 56 runners have put months of hard work and dedication into getting to Sunday's start line. I am so proud of them all.

"If anyone is in a position to donate, no matter how small, it would mean so much. Every euro will help Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation continue its wonderful work.

"On Sunday, 56 runners will take on the streets of Dublin, but I know Peach will be with every one of them, every step of the way," said Orla.

Donations can be made on idonate.