Kathryn & Tony - London Marathon - with a Ukulele!!
Sunday 21st April 2024
UK
Kathryn Walls
2458
Kathryn & Tony - London Marathon - with a Ukulele!!
Hi, I'm Kathryn Walls and this is my awesome uncle, Tony McGourty!
We've both spent a lot of time in the past 15 years combining our love of running with a mission to give back.
Tony is a dedicated marathon runner with a passion for making a difference. He has completed 24 marathons in 15 years, raising thousands of pounds for charity. What's even more impressive, is that he's in his 70's and still running around a 4 hour pace!!!!!
I started running only after we lost my sister, Eithne, in the Air France plane crash in 2009 and have a more modest 6 marathons completed, also raising vital funds for charity over the years.
In April 2024 we are joining forces and running London Marathon together to raise money for two charities close to both our hearts. I'm also taking on the challenge of playing the ukulele (and singing) as we cover the distance - because just running isn't hard enough!! Let's hope Tony remembers his ear plugs ;)
Firstly, we want to raise money for Dementia NI - in honour of my mum and Tony's sister, Mary. Mum was an inspirational and dedicated teacher for all of her working life and her diagnosis with Primary Progressive Aphasia was a cruel blow to her and our family. Mum's courage in the face of an illness that slowly robbed her of the ability to communicate was truly incredible.
We are also raising funds for research into eye and ear disease in memory of my beloved sister Eithne who was an eye surgeon at the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital in Dublin. The first anniversary of the accident marked the day I first laced up running shoes to raise money in her memory, and I've not stopped since.
We are so grateful for any donations you can make to help us reach our target and support these amazing charities. Thank you for your generosity and encouragement. We hope to see you on the streets of London cheering us on!
We did it!!!
What an incredible day! The crowds and support on the streets of London were incredible. We couldn't have hoped for a better day!
Knowing we had the support of everyone who has donated and wished us well definitely kept us going!
Thank you all.
Kathryn and Tony x
0 likes
Ten days to go!!!
4 months of training is behind us and now we're tapering and getting ready for the big day! Say a prayer for a cool day on the streets of London!
1 likes
Uke gotta be kidding me!
£7,812.00
+£1,196.51 Gift Aid
raised of £1,500 target
by 202 supporters
Supporters 202
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M3 days, 10 hours
Michele Devlin
Well done Katherine and Tony happy to support both causes.
£ 25.00 (+£6.25)
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R1 week, 2 days
Rachel Brocksopp
Very well done, you ran past me during the marathon around 18 miles it was just getting a bit warm then a gust of wind came., You spoke to me, I was amazed what I saw you doing 😂👏 unbelievable.
£ 10.00 (+£2.50)
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O1 week, 3 days
Owen and Mary Finnegan
A lovely way to remember your sister. Well done.
£ 150.00 (+£37.50)
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R2 weeks
Ruthie (Belfast Uke)
You both are truly AMAZING, beyond words…two super stars. You should be so proud of yourselves. And now so many benefiting from all the funds you’ve raised over do many years. Just WOW ♥️♥️♥️
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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K2 weeks
Katie Derham
You’re both such inspirations Kathryn and Tony - what an achievement! Kathryn - I can’t wait to come and see you play the ukulele again :)
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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E2 weeks, 1 day
Elizabeth Watts
Well done Kathryn & Tony. Wonderful causes. I whooped when I saw your story on TV during the marathon coverage.
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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N2 weeks, 1 day
Nuala
Amazing achievement Kathryn!! You kept the spirits high on Kili and have no doubt you did the same for many on Sunday!! 💕💪🏻
€ 20.00
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D2 weeks, 2 days
David Quin
I ran alongside you for a bit while you were singing The Proclaimers. Amazing - well done!
£ 30.05 (+£7.51)
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C2 weeks, 3 days
Charlie McGeary
Well done Kathyrn and Tony!! A serious achievement. Mary and Eithne would be so proud.. Love from C, J & C xxx
€ 30.00
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T2 weeks, 3 days
Tara Coates
Amazing achievement Kathryn and Tony. Mary & Eithne will be beaming down on you x
£ 10.00
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2 weeks, 3 days
Anonymous
£ 50.00
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A2 weeks, 3 days
Aunty carmel
Best wishes to you both today. Thinking of mary & either always
€ 100.00
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P2 weeks, 3 days
Patricia caulfield
Sending best wishes to uncle Tony & you Kathryn. I know aunty mary & eithne will be watching over you both
€ 100.00
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C2 weeks, 3 days
Catherine Meehan
Tony and Kathryn, every good wish for the London Marathon. Amazing effort.
£ 20.00
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E2 weeks, 3 days
Emma Rowan
Have the most wonderful run today, enjoy the whole atmosphere 💖
£ 26.20 (+£6.55)
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G2 weeks, 4 days
Geraldine, Losarina & Niamh
Happy running hope music keeps you moving !!!!
£ 100.00 (+£25.00)
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C2 weeks, 4 days
Christine & Mona Green
Keep her lit! Well done to you both, great job!
£ 40.00 (+£10.00)
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T2 weeks, 4 days
Trevor & Kelly
Might be on the roads but we know you're always a TrailFitter at heart! Still think you're bonkers though...🤣
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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E2 weeks, 4 days
East Belfast Dental
We hope you have a brilliant day! What an amazing feat to achieve, well done both!
Peter and Gemma£ 100.00
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J2 weeks, 4 days
John Greene
Good Luck Kathryn & Tony in the London Marathon tomorrow it’s a brilliant event as done it in 1996 will never forget it.
No Marathon is easy but You can do it
👍👍👍😎😎😎€ 30.00
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C2 weeks, 4 days
Claire Nelson
Good luck Kathryn and Tony, have an amazing race day!
£ 30.00 (+£7.50)
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L2 weeks, 5 days
Lisa (Peerpoint)
OMG Kathryn, is there anything you can't do???!!! Marathon and entertaining the crowds!! Wowsers ... you are epic and good luck to your uncle keeping up with that ... and coping with the tunes 😆
£ 26.00 (+£6.50)
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2 weeks, 5 days
Anonymous
Good Luck Kathryn & Tony!!!
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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C2 weeks, 5 days
Ciaran McBride
Good luck Kathryn and Tony! I will be keeping an eye out for you during the coverage!
£ 20.00
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2 weeks, 6 days
Anonymous
$ 100.00
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R3 weeks
Ray and Heather Walls
We will be cheering you both on from afar! Ray says he would run with you, but he is still recovering from the 2015 NYC marathon! Hugs from us!
$ 250.00
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C3 weeks
Chris & Lisa
All the very best for London Kathryn and Tony. You’ll smash it 🏃🏻♀️🏃🎶🏅
£ 30.00 (+£7.50)
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L3 weeks
Laura McGrellis
Hope the chaffing is minimal 😂 have a great race! You'll be fab
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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G3 weeks
Gabrielle savage
All the best for your run! I went to Assumption with Eithne, she was a wonderful girl. Lovely to read of her legacy x
£ 20.00
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3 weeks
Anonymous
£ 20.00
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F3 weeks
Fiona Carpenter
Good luck to you both. This is a wonderful thing you are doing.
£ 30.00 (+£7.50)
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F3 weeks, 2 days
Francesca Bennetts
So impressive - am in awe! You will be amazing. Good luck!
£ 100.00 (+£25.00)
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E3 weeks, 4 days
Emma
Lovely to see you this morning, I wondered where the music was coming from on the first lap! Hope you have a great day for the marathon, best of luck!
Emma (the car park marshal)£ 10.00 (+£2.50)
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B3 weeks, 4 days
Brendan
Wonderful .. no rain please ! enjoy the race Tony and Kathryn . .. write about it Kathryn .. about the Uke arm next day … and songs ..
£ 30.00
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H3 weeks, 5 days
Hannah Irwin
Kathryn you're a legend! Good luck to you both and have a great time
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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P3 weeks, 5 days
Pauline Wylie
Kathryn - you and your Uncle Tony are incredible! Two amazing causes, in memory of your sister and Mum. Best of luck next weekend!
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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C3 weeks, 6 days
Clare (McG)
You are both amazing. Good luck for the uke marathon.
£ 100.00 (+£25.00)
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P4 weeks, 1 day
Pauline jordan
Good luck Kathryn & Tony wishing you both all the best on Sunday. In memory of Lovely Mary & , Ethna, fondly remembered xx
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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F4 weeks, 1 day
Fintan Timoney
Good luck Tony and Kathryn. It's impossible to keep a good man, and woman down. Peter works with Kathryn and didn't realise the connection initially. Béal Cú abú.
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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B4 weeks, 1 day
Bernie Maguire
Inspirational as always our Tony 🥰
Enjoy the company and music from Kathryn as you run!
We in OMG will run around Belcoo that morning willing you over the line 💪£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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R4 weeks, 1 day
Rachael White
As someone finding training for a marathon hard enough, never mind with a Uke, I am in awe! An amazing cause and you should be very proud of yourself!
£ 10.00 (+£2.50)
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C4 weeks, 1 day
Ciara Galbraith
What an amazing way to remember your sister. Wishing you a fantastic race day!
£ 15.00
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P4 weeks, 1 day
Pauline O'Hara
Good luck Kathryn and Tony. Keep er lit.
When your legs get weary run with your heart ❤️
£ 50.00
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S4 weeks, 1 day
Shane Carmichael
Feels like an age…but you (and your sister) are never far from my thoughts. I live near the starting point in Blackheath so if you are near there, I’ll look for you. Go well x
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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1 month
Anonymous
£ 10.00 (+£2.50)
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P1 month
Peter Timoney
Best of luck you two!
Kathryn, will you be taking any requests??
Tony, you're putting other Fermanagh men to shame!Peter (Fintan's cub) :-)
£ 25.00 (+£6.25)
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T1 month
The Fearons
Wonderful from both of you, good luck Kathryn & Tony! Maybe Gerard and Raymond can do the next marathon set dancing?
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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K1 month
Kim Lidbury
From a ukulele player who played with the Southampton Ukulele Jam at the Southampton Marathon today. We just stood and played for 4 hours and 11 mins which was far easier. Best wishes in your fund-raising efforts!
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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E1 month
Emma & Tina
Hope the legs stay limber, and the chords stay in your head! Have a brilliant run 😀
£ 30.00 (+£7.50)
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1 month
Anonymous
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N1 month
Niamh Collins
Good luck to you Tony and Kathryn! Two inspirational people. Will keep an eye out for you on the day on the TV! Love Kevin, Niamh, James and Donnacha xx
£ 40.00 (+£10.00)
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P1 month
P Magee
Congrats & best wishes Tony & Kathryn. I can't believe it's 15 yrs ago since Eithne's life was lost 💔- may her beautiful soul rest in peace with her lovely mum 🙏
Well done to both of you£ 40.00
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F1 month
Fran and Raymond Doherty
Good luck Tony and Kathryn! You are truly inspirational and for such deserving causes, well done!
£ 20.00
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B1 month
Blathine & Daniel Smith
Go on Tony , up Lattone road !!!
Incredible stuff from both of you ☺️£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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1 month
Anonymous
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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M1 month
Margaret & Charlie
In loving memory of two of the greatest friends we made through Irish dancing, Eithne (forever, young, forever beautiful, forever smiling) and Mary (a great friend with a great sense of humor and who would do anything for you).
Good Luck Kathryn and Tony
£ 50.00
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A1 month
Ali Donovan
Well done to both of you! The Donovans are behind you every mile!
£ 10.00 (+£2.50)
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V1 month
Vincent Adams
Kathryn, read about your run on the A&O Weekly wrap-up. Truly inspiring. Best of luck! I have run a few marathons myself & concur 100% that running is a fantastic hobby.
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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K
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1 month
Anonymous
£ 25.00 (+£6.25)
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H1 month
Harry and Rozy
Good luck Tony and Kathryn.Wonderful charitable effort from you both.
£ 20.00
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A1 month
Ann Carrigan
Loads of luck Tony and Katherine! Thinking of Mary and Eithne…two amazing and inspirational ladies
£ 20.00
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B1 month
Brett Smith
Amazing effort! We’ll be cheering you (and hearing you!) as you pass Tower Bridge
£ 25.00
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C1 month
Colin Barnett
Great cause - wishing you both the best o luck and a good tail wind on the day!
£ 25.00 (+£6.25)
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E1 month, 1 week
Elli
You are an inspiration! Good luck with tapering the running and ramping up the tunes!
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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J1 month, 2 weeks
Jill Anthony
Go ya girl ye! you'll be fab, look forward to seeing you on the news! xx
£ 30.00 (+£7.50)
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