Michaela’s marathon is like Hollywood movie..

Michaela’s marathon is like Hollywood movie..

24 June 2015

SHE did it – Michaela Hollywood nailed her gruelling one-of-a-kind marathon and still has a smile on her face. 

The inspirational 25 year-old Crossgar woman smashed her £2,620 fundraising goal for Muscular Dystrophy UK and once again rewrote the rule book for people living with a disability.

Michaela, who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), took on the marathon in her wheelchair in memory of her sister Martina, who also had the condition and sadly passed away in 1997 aged just 14.

SMA affects nerve cells in the spinal cord, impacting on movement and, in some cases, breathing. Michaela battled through a life-threatening bout of pneumonia in order to tackle her challenge and on a day to day basis depends on a range of life-saving equipment and the support of her family.

They were with her every yard of her 26 miles around Belfast on Sunday and many others stopped off to walk a mile with Michaela. Despite a battery malfunction towards the end, meaning a five mile push of her wheelchair was required, the Crossgar woman completed the marathon in over eight hours.

Olympic boxer Paddy Barnes, Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín, UTV presenters Pamela Ballentine and Sarah Clarke and South Down MLA Karen McKevitt were among the 200 who joined her en route and for the final mile up the hill to Stormont.

“It was fantastic that so many people joined me on my crazy challenge,” Michaela said. “The half way point was a mind battle as I contemplated another 13 miles, so it was great to have Paddy with me. 

“I was dreading the hill at Stormont, but with lots of people by my side it ended up being one of my favourite parts of the day. 

“It was great to see the sea of orange at the bottom of the hill with everyone in their Muscular Dystrophy T-shirts.”

Speaking the day after her marathon undertaking Michaela said her neck was “a bit sore” but apart from needing a good sleep on Sunday night all was well.

“It was so cold outside the main concern was keeping me warm,” she said. “I had three layers of clothes, two blankets and two layers of plastic over me.

“I never wanted to give up at any stage. I was buzzing. I was raring to go. I was determined to get to the end and I did.

“There was a great sense of community and lots of car horns beeping in support. The PSNI were fantastic and cleared a route for me all the way.”

Michaela’s marathon took her past the City Hospital and the Royal Victoria Hospital, where she took a break half way through the challenge. It was a poignant stop.

“It was 10 years ago since I left this hospital as a child,” she said. “For those with neuro muscular conditions — this marathon affirmed we are part of society and not invisible.”

The route also made its way past the Lyric Theatre where Michaela’s sister Martina enjoyed acting in a number of productions.

“She would have enjoyed yesterday,” she said. “She would have been proud and she would have thought I was a bit mad.”

Michaela has extended thanks to everyone who supported her on the day, including her friend Peter Duffy, who travelled over from England, and her GP, Dr Nigel Hart, who also walked with her on part of the route.

“Huge thanks to everyone who has supported me through sponsorship or by walking with me, and to those who cheered me on from the sidelines,” she said. “I am really pleased with my achievement and I hope my sister is looking down on me and feeling proud of what I have done.” 

Speaking after the marathon Paddy Barnes said: “It was an honour to be part of today’s event, Michaela is an extraordinary woman. I knew very little about muscle-wasting conditions until recently, when Michaela got in touch to ask for my help. 

“Today’s event has seen people from across Northern Ireland come together to show their support, and I hope this raises much-needed funds and awareness for Muscular Dystrophy UK.”

Carál Ní Chuilín also spoke of her admiration for Michaela. “I am honoured to have been invited by Michaela to join her on the final mile of her monumental marathon today,” she said.

“Michaela is an inspiration to all disabled and able-bodied people who want to get active and overcome physical challenges. She has shown that physical disability need not stop you from leading a fit and healthy lifestyle.

“I remain committed to helping as many people as possible, regardless of their background or physical ability, to get out and keep fit.”

It’s not too late to sponsor Michaela, who to date has raised around £3,000. To do so visit justgiving.com/MoveMilesForMichaelasMuscles