Run for the boys

In late December 2016, I read a Facebook post about three brothers, Archie (11), and twins George and Isaac (7) who had been diagnosed with a terminal muscle-wasting disease called Duchene Muscular Dystrophy four years earlier. 

Their story really struck a chord with me. I am a twin myself, my twin girls are the same age as Archie and my other daughter is the same age as George and Isaac. I couldn't stop thinking about them all week and thinking of how lucky we were as a family that we had four healthy children. 

"Go home and love your children"

The thing is, this could happen to ANY family. Paula and Padraic were just a normal family until that day in 2012 when they were told by the consultant to "go home and love your children", that there was no treatment and no cure for this vile disease and that all three of their boys would eventually succumb to it. How on earth would you feel if you were told that all three of your young children were terminally ill and there was nothing you could do to save them?

Padraic & Paula

Meeting Paula

A few days after I read their story, I travelled to Dublin by train with my family. When we arrived at Heuston Station, I was taking a photo of my husband and girls when a lady shaking a bucket and wearing a bright orange t-shirt bearing the name "Join Our Boys" approached me. She wanted to know if I would like her to take a photo of all of us with my camera. It turned out to be Paula, the boys' gorgeous, courageous and amazing Mum.......and we have been friends ever since.

Paula Nolan running Dublin City Marathon 2019

Running my first marathon

Ten months later, in October 2017, I ran Dublin City Marathon, my first ever, to raise funds for the boys. I am now training for my fourth marathon. I would NEVER have dreamed I would be able to run a marathon if it wasn't for Archie, George and Isaac. I wasn't a big runner and was forever injured but those three boys were and are my inspiration. As their Mum once said, they complete a marathon every day and never complain. How could I not even TRY to get through one and help them by raising a few euro? 

Raising Funds

Over the years, I have raised just short of €6K for the boys' care through running Dublin City Marathon in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Every penny I raised went into "Join Our Boys", a trust fund set up by their parents, Paula and Padraic, which has raised awareness of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, funds for research and caters for the practical needs of Archie, George, and Isaac. 

'Join Our Boys' has given huge amounts of money towards scientific research into finding a cure for this catastrophic disease. As of yet, there is no treatment or cure. They are also trying to raise much-needed funds to build a house suitable for the boys to live comfortably for as long as they need it. This house will belong to the trust. Currently, the Naughtons live in their two storey home in Roscommon, which is just not practical for three boys who are now wheelchair users.

Three brothers Archie, George, Isaac and their dog Sadie

Virtual Dublin City Marathon

On October 25th this year, I will be running Dublin City Marathon virtually around the Tullamore area where I live. Dublin Marathon was cancelled due to #covid19 but I am not going to let this stop me. Being totally honest, it is not going to be easy. The crowds that line the streets of Dublin are what has got me through the 26.2 gruelling miles in previous years. 

However, some of my mates from Tullamore Harriers are going to run with me and thinking of Archie, George, Isaac and their parents, Paula and Padraic will snap me out of any "poor me" thoughts if/when I hit that proverbial wall during the 26.2 miles.

George and Isaac on the beach recently wishing they could get out of those chairs and experience the sand and water

So, how can YOU help? 

1. Please share this post and the Facebook page (search "run for the boys") as much as you can, and as far and wide as you can.

2. Please give whatever you can afford. I'm not asking for large amounts of money but I would appreciate anything at all that you can spare, even a euro. I know that the Naughtons are always so eternally grateful for any help or support. 

3. Imagine if you were in their situation, how would you feel? We may not be able to find a cure, but by me running a virtual marathon and you sharing this page and giving whatever you can, we can make a huge difference to Archie, George and Isaac's lives. They deserve, at the very least, to live comfortably. 

4. Please use the hashtag's #runfortheboys #joinourboys #nevergiveup

If you have read this far, thank you <3

The link to donate is here 

???????????? www.idonate.ie/Paulanolanjoinourboys

Thank you so much, 

Paula Nolan.