Marathon effort proves the strength of two Cork residents

Cork woman Fiona O'Regan and Thembi Tshuma, originally from Zimbabwe, both overcame challenges to take part in Sunday's Cork City Marathon

Fiona O’Regan had spinal fusion surgery for her scoliosis and is fundraising for a charity called Straight Ahead. Picture: Fiona O’Regan

Among the record 12,500 runners from 37 countries in Sunday’s Cork City Marathon will be Fiona O'Regan who, at just 14 years of age, received life-changing surgery for scoliosis.

The rare condition led to Ms O’Regan being overwhelmingly self-conscious, hiding her “hunchback” appearance.