A young Letterkenny native is one of two Irishmen coming home from Australia this summer to undertake a mammoth endurance run for Pieta.
Barry Lee, from Bomany and Bill Staunton from Balbriggan, Dublin, are planning a 600km run from Mizen to Malin over just 10 days.
Starting on May 29th in Cork, the pair will traverse the length of the country, running 50km a day to reach Ireland’s most northerly point by 7th June.
Their challenge is not just a test of endurance but a platform to raise awareness around mental health—particularly encouraging young men to speak out.
Barry, 29, a former pupil of Saint Eunans College, works as a mental health nurse in Australia. Bill, 27, works in finance.
Bill Staunton and Barry Lee
Their ‘Wild Irish Run’ is a cause close to their hearts as it will raise funds for Pieta suicide prevention.
Do it for those who can’t is their slogan for the challenge.
“Every step we take is for those who feel like they can’t take one more,” said Barry.
The lads have been running ultra-endurance events for the past three years, pushing their limits for causes they deeply believe in.
They hope that their Wild Irish Run will be an opportunity for people across the country to talk about mental health, even joining a leg.
“Every year, approximately 600,000 people die by suicide, with 70% of them being men. Our slogan, Do it for those who can’t, reflects our commitment to breaking the stigma and starting conversations that could save lives,” they said.
If you wish to donate to support Bill and Barry’s run for Pieta, visit the GoFundMe page here: https://gofund.me/e078cafd
Corporate sponsors are invited to get in touch.