Hollywood actor Colin Farrell returned to his hometown of Dublin on Sunday to run the 2024 Dublin Marathon, all in the name of charity. The 48-year-old star completed the race in 4:06:45. He says the last four kilometres were the most special, as he pushed his friend Emma Fogarty, who has a rare skin condition, across the finish line in a wheelchair.
Well done Colin Farrell 🙌🙌🙌
The Hollywood star has crossed the finish line of the @dublinmarathon with his friend Emma Fogarty.
What a team! pic.twitter.com/18R6fISaYA
— FM104 (@FM104) October 27, 2024
Farrell signed up for the marathon to raise funds for DEBRA, an Irish charity that supports those living with epidermolysis bullosa (EB)—also known as butterfly skin. Fogarty, Ireland’s oldest surviving person with the condition, faces daily challenges from this incurable genetic disorder, which causes her skin to blister at the slightest touch. At 40 years old, she celebrated a life milestone she thought she’d never reach, and Farrell wanted to be by her side to make it unforgettable while aiming to raise a million dollars for the charity.
Crowds cheered as the Oscar-nominated actor, currently starring in HBO’s The Penguin, joined Fogarty at the 38-km mark for the final four kilometres of the race. Farrell spoke about the challenge, dubbed “Emma’s Run to 40,” and the emotional impact of her resilience on Ireland’s RTE News, “It all started with how you found a way to live with EB and not as a victim of EB. As someone who struggles and experiences pain as a result of it, but not as a victim of it.”
Fogarty echoed the sentiment, sharing her gratitude: “I’m so excited and extremely emotional. Turning 40 this year was huge, and I wanted to mark it in a big way. It’s the public’s support that made it even more special.”
The duo’s efforts have already raised more than USD $800,000 for DEBRA, with a goal of reaching $1 million. If you would like to contribute to Fogarty and Farrell’s cause, you can do so via DEBRA.ie.
