Moate man to run marathon for cause “close to heart”

A Moate runner is taking on the challenge of his first Dublin City Marathon in October and in the process raising funds for the Irish Kidney Association.

Matthew Hamm, from Cartron Grange, will complete his inaugural 26.2 mile distance later this year "for a cause greater than the run".

The 20-year-old was born with one kidney but has led a healthy life to date. However as a keen runner he has yet to participate in a competitive race and he saw the marathon as an ideal way to raise funds for charity with the Irish Kidney Association uppermost in his fundraising thoughts.

"I want to make a difference by fundraising for an organisation that I feel strongly about. I was born with one kidney. This has always been part of my life, even if it hasn’t always been visible," Matthew said.

The DCU student, who is the son of Sharon Higgins-Hamm and Richard Hamm, said having one kidney since birth has "shaped how I think about health, resilience, and not taking the simple things for granted".

"It has given me a deep appreciation for the strength and fight that people with illnesses display on a daily basis and now I want to give back to an organisation that helps people when they are at their lowest points, along with knowing that maybe one day I could need such help," Matthew stated.

Entries to the Dublin City Marathon are now ballot-based, so Matthew was initially disappointed when he wasn't successful in his quest to gain a place in this year's event when the results were confirmed.

However, he found that entry to the marathon was possible when raising funds for charity, saying "it was in the stars" when he realised he could raise funds for the Irish Kidney Association.

"The marathon will be a more meaningful experience knowing that I can participate in the event while raising funds for a cause close to my heart," Matthew added.

Matthew regularly runs on the Old Rail Trail as he builds up his miles ahead of the marathon. He will run the capital city route with his friend Dean Broderick with the aim of crossing the finish line in an "ambitious time" of 3 hours 30 minutes.

"We'll start a marathon training programme in June or early July and hopefully, the training will go well from there," Matthew said.

Matthews fundraising cause has raised over €3,500 to date and Matthew is grateful to all who have donated towards the work of the Irish Kidney Association.

"Your support, whether it’s a donation or simply cheering me on, means more than words can say. Every gesture helps. Thank you from the bottom of my heart," Matthew said.