Colin Farrell is set to run the Dublin Marathon this weekend.
The Hollywood star has opened up about his decision to take part in the race to help raise funds for Irish charity, Debra.
Originally he had hoped to raise €400,000 for the charity that helps Irish people living with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a rare genetic skin condition.
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.
However, after he appeared on The Late Late Show with his close friend Emma Fogarty, Ireland’s longest-surviving EB patient, they blew past their original goal.
Now he is hoping to raise an incredible €1 million for the charity.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio One’s Ray D’Arcy Show, he said: “I love Emma, I love her to bits. I couldn’t be any more proud of her.
“But I don’t think I could be any more frustrated knowing that Emma and all those in our country who suffer with EB aren’t getting the care they could.”
To mark her 40th birthday, Colin Farrell is taking on Emma’s Run to 40 by running the @dublinmarathon in honour of his dear friend 👟.
Together, they hope to raise €400,000 for Debra, supporting those with EB. 🦋 #Runto40
👟 Get involved 👉 https://t.co/GJqGPlOYYz pic.twitter.com/MN4odckwcw
— Debra – The Butterfly Skin Charity (@debraireland) July 24, 2024
Ray D’Arcy announced during the show the HSE had pledged €125,000 in core funding to Debra.
Colin added: “It’s hard to see the need and the suffering up close and personal through my relationship with my pal Emma and know that there’s a broader amount of suffering going on with a further 300 people living with EB in Ireland.
“If you have to leave a few potholes uncovered or not build a bridge, so be it… more needs to be done.”
While Emma said: “How are the sick and more vulnerable not more important than a bike shed?”
If you would like to donate, you can find all the details at debra.ie