Jimi Gillivan says 'Dad got me through' Run4MND challenge

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Moate native James 'Jimi' Gillivan said signs from his late father Andy ‘The Doll’ Gillivan got him through his Run4MND challenge.

“My dad was definitely with me all the way,” Jimi said. “People said that to me before I set off, and there was a couple of little signs along the way. My dad definitely got me through.”

Jimi ran from Athlone to Mullingar, Mullingar to Enfield, Enfield to Dublin, and then the Dublin Marathon.

Speaking about the feeling of crossing the final finish line in the Dublin Marathon, Jimi said there was “a huge sense of achievement”.

“The plan all came together. For it all to work out was amazing. The first three marathons took about 4 hours 15 minutes on average, and the final marathon took about 3 hours 33 minutes.”

Although the entire experience was something he will never forget, Jimi said running through his home town of Moate was one of the highlights of the challenge.

“The Thursday was a special day. Going through Moate was exceptional because it's my home, and it's where my Dad is from. There was such a large turnout, including the children from the school. It was really heartfelt and emotional.”

Another highlight was the generosity of his local community, and of people across the country, as they donated so generously to support Jimi and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.

“There was huge emotion. To be honest I can't get over the response,” he said. “The current fundraising is far beyond what we thought we would achieve. I can't thank people enough.”

The challenge raised €44,000 (as of Wednesday, October 30) for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association - a foundation close to Jimi's heart as they helped his father during his illness.

Jimi extended his heartfelt thank to his wife Orla, and daughters Lil and Iris for their support throughout the challenge. He would also like to thank Niall Mackey for his amazing social media work throughout the fundraiser.

The closing date for donations is this Sunday, November second. To donate, go to: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/JamesGillivan