Jerry Twomey

Mr Twomey’s father, John, lost his fight to motor neurone disease (MND) in January 2010. The run will honour his dad as well as raise awareness and funds to tackle the progressive neurological condition.

A fundraising page on iDonate.ie has already raised over €7,400 – but he is aiming to raise at least €10,000 for the charity.

Mr Twomey, a partner at Frances Twomey & Co Solicitors LLP, said: “We met angels and helpers in many forms while dad suffered his illness with dignity. The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association was of immeasurable support to us and are an endlessly worthy charity to go the distance for.

“I have been training hard since January and at times I felt that completing this challenge is way beyond me. What better way to honour the memory of my brilliant dad than to face a challenge bigger than I feel possible.

“I also wanted to do something in every county in Ireland in support of everyone who is, or has been, affected by this devastating disease.”

The lawyer is reaching out to everyone in the MND family, and also sports clubs, running clubs and social groups, to join him along the way, in their runners or on their bikes.

He said: “With company the run feels half as long and twice as easy. I would be delighted to hook up and run with people wherever they are. Just get in touch and I will do my best to be there.”

Readers can support Mr Twomey by donating via iDonate.ie, or checking the hashtag #runningthecountry on Twitter and Instagram. Mr Twomey can be contacted on runforimnda@gmail.com.