Colin Farrell appeared on The Late Late Show on Friday to discuss why he’ll be taking part in the Dublin Marathon this year.
The Hollywood star was joined by his good pal, Emma Fogarty, who is Ireland’s longest-surviving person battling epidermolysis bullosa (EB).
Colin has been advocating for Irish charity Debra which helps people living with EB.
EB is a group of rare medical conditions that result in easy blistering of the skin and mucous membranes. Blisters occur with minor trauma or friction and are painful. Its severity can range from mild to fatal.
Following their appearance on The Late Late Show, their fundraiser was pushed to over half a million euro for charity Debra. Both Colin and Emma have shared their thanks for the generosity of viewers.
Emma celebrated her “miracle” 40th birthday, despite having the most severe type of the genetic skin condition.
Colin is gearing up for the Irish Life Dublin Marathon on Sunday to mark the milestone and she will join him in a wheelchair for the final 4km – each kilometre representing a decade of her life.
Their “Run to 40” challenge has raised over €500,000 for Debra, the national charity helping 300 people living in Ireland with EB, with €415,000 raised on the night alone.
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“There are four forms of the condition and Emma has the severest one,” Colin explained.
“She is the third person in Ireland with her type of EB to reach the age of 40 – she’s a miracle really, and a legend.”
Speaking to host Patrick Kielty during the show, Emma highlighted the challenge the 4km distance will pose to her.
“Four kilometres sounds very little to a lot of people, there’s people here who probably run 10km every day or 5km or whatever. For me, that’s going to be a very long journey because potholes, ramps, even a pebble on the road – I will feel every one.”
Funds raised during the Run to 40 drive will be used to fuel pioneering research which could transform the future for everyone with EB in Ireland.
If you can support the fundraising initiative, donate or join the Run to 40 fundraising effort online.
