Breaking the barrier: thalidomide survivor Dr Austin O'Carroll takes a run at fundraising

Ten years ago, thalidomide survivor Dr Austin O'Carroll struggled to walk more than 50 metres. He's now training for a 5km fundraising challenge 

Dr Austin O'Carroll. Photograph Moya Nolan

Dr Austin O’Carroll is challenging himself to do a 5km fundraising walk in the Phoenix Park next December.

This is no ordinary challenge. Ten years ago, O’Carroll could barely walk 50 metres. He was preparing to be wheelchair-bound, planning to adapt his house for wheelchair accessibility.