Family to run NYC marathon in Michael’s memory

The brother of a cystic fibrosis boy who died on his fifth birthday is to run the New York City marathon to raise funds for a much needed inpatient facility for children with the condition.

Michael Burke from Shanagarry, Co Cork, lost his fight for life on Sept 5 having been diagnosed with leukaemia.

Now, his brother John, 22, his uncle Ian Thomas, and cousins Matthew Thomas, and Andrew Thomas, are taking on the marathon challenge, next month, in memory of Michael.

They are also seeking to raise money for the charity Build4Life to provide inpatient isolation rooms for children with cystic fibrosis at Cork University Hospital at a cost of €500,000.

Isolation rooms are vital for cystic fibrosis patients as they are far more susceptible to picking up infections than those without the condition.

“We’re doing the marathon in memory of Michael so it will be very special for me,” said John, a third-year student at University College Cork.

Michael’s mother Kate described her youngest son, who had Down’s syndrome, as “the happiest, loveliest child” who “wiggled his way into people’s hearts” and whose death had left a huge void in their lives.

“The house is so empty. But there is relief he is not going to be suffering anymore,” said Kate, a mother of five.

She said she was thrilled the group were running the marathon and described the isolation unit as “crucial”.

“When Michael was admitted, your heart would be in your mouth. He would go in with one thing and come out with ten. When their immune system is very low, due to the cystic fibrosis, they can pick up everything,” Kate said.

“It won’t help Michael now but once this new unit is finished, at least other parents won’t have that stress.”

Meanwhile, the five-strong team, which also includes family friend David Ashman, will travel to New York on Nov 1 to take part in the marathon three days later.

Ian, who lives in Carrigaline, said they would all be wearing the number 5 in Michael’s memory.

“He was born on Sept 5, 2007, and he died on Sept 5, 2012. He was the fifth child in the family. For some reason Michael decided five was to be his number so we’ll have a green 5 on the back of our shirts,” Ian revealed.

“It’s a tough marathon but it’s a very worthy cause,” he added.

Anybody interested in making a donation can write to Ian Thomas at Room 2 Community Hall, Carrigaline, Co Cork, or email Ian at [e-mail].