Colin Farrell and Emma Fogarty have raised over €780,000 so far in aid of Debra Ireland following their participation in the Dublin Marathon yesterday.
The blockbuster actor was joined by longtime friend Emma for the final 4km of the race – one to mark each decade of her life as she recently turned 40.
Emma is the longest-surviving person living with the rare condition epidermolysis bullosa (EB) in Ireland, which has a current life expectancy of 30 to 35 years.
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People living with EB are missing the essential proteins that bind the skin's layers
together, so any minor friction, movement or trauma causes it to break, tear, and blister. It's also known as "butterfly skin".
At the time of writing, Colin and Emma have raised almost €800,000 in aid of charity Debra, which provides care and crucial supports for the 300 people in Ireland living with EB.
CEO of the charity, Jimmy Fearon, has praised Colin and Emma as he opened up about the "special" day.
"The Dublin Marathon is a magnificent event and it seems that on the sidelines everyone knew about Debra. Colin and Emma were flabbergasted by the level of support – and overjoyed,” he told RTE's Morning Ireland.
"We have so many people to thank for this support and it just goes to show the kindness and the generosity and the support that’s out there from people to facilitate something magical to happen. It was magical, it was a really special day. Emma will never ever forget this day.
"Magic still exists."
Mr Fearon said the funds raised will go towards supports such a nursing, counselling, care and bereavement support.
Colin crossed the finish line yesterday with a time of four hours and six minutes, as he said: “It was an honour to see her waiting for me with 4km to go, each of those representing a decade of her life, and to do the final stretch together. I’ll never forget it,” he said.
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