Local referee's novel running challenge for Pieta House

A well-known local football referee is aim to run four miles every four hours for 48 hours for charity.

Declan Toland from Athlone is undertaking the challenge on Friday, May 29 and Saturday, May 30, as a fundraiser for Pieta House.

He aims to run a distance of 52 miles (or two marathons) during the two days and has set up a GoFundMe page for donations.

He says he hopes to get short naps during the intervals between runs, but expects to get only five or six hours sleep during the two days.

Declan explained that he wants to assist in raising funds for Pieta House, after the cancellation of the Darkness Into Light annual fundraising walk.

The Midlands Branch of the Irish Soccer Referees Society, of which Declan is a member, has over the last few years held an annual fundraising event in aid of Pieta House.

Declan explained that the four runs would be carried out within five kilometres of his home in compliance with current health restrictions.

Donations are being accepted now on a GoFundMe page, https://www.gofundme.com/f/1zveplnkqo,

Or search under Run for Pieta house or Declan Toland on GoFundMe