Niall’s run to Knock in memory of mum

Niall’s run to Knock in memory of mum

17 July 2019

IT was much tougher than he imagined but Drumaness man Niall Cochrane completed his 147-mile run to the Knock Shrine in memory of his mother.

The 31 year-old made it to the Co Mayo religious site last Wednesday morning and was welcomed by his father Patrick and his sisters Sarah and Lisa.

Niall raised over £7,000 for Marie Curie by his epic run to honour the mother that he adored.

Mrs Roisin Cochrane died from cancer last November at the age of 62.

An experienced marathon runner who completes several events each year, Niall wanted to do something which really challenged him as well as being meaningful to his family.

“Mum had always wanted to go to Knock and when she got sick, we brought her there,” he said.

Last Monday, July 8, Niall left St Patrick’s Church graveyard in Ballynahinch where his mother is buried and three days later ran into Knock after resting and sleeping along the route when he could.

He said: “The run was very challenging, both in terms of distance and logistics.  There were many times I felt like giving up, but the support of my friends and family and recalling the amazing work of Marie Curie was enough to keep me motivated in the end.

“Mum loved Knock and it was a fitting place to end in memory of the most remarkable person I have ever known.”