Remarkable Letterkenny businessman Mark Rodgers has completed his 50k at 50 charity fundraising run.
Having already smashed through his initial €50,000 goal days before even setting off on his route from the Letterkenny Community Centre to Burt and back again, he and his son Jamie crossed the finish line with over €64,000 in the donation pot this afternoon.
You can watch the moment they crossed the line below:
Mark took on the mammoth ‘marathon and a bit’ challenge to mark his 50th birthday and to raise funds for vital causes across Donegal.
All money raised will be shared equally between iCare Donegal, the Bluestack Foundation, Letterkenny Autism Support, St Bernadette’s, Little Angels, and Ballyraine NS.
They were chosen as recipients by Mark as his 16-year-old daughter Shayna and three of his nephews are on the autism spectrum.
“She is a very special girl,” Mark told Donegal Daily about Shayna ahead of the run. “We wouldn’t change her for the world.”
Shayna, Mark, Jamie and Yvonne Rodgers. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin
All along the route locals came out to support Mark and Jamie, as they were joined by up to a dozen fellow runners at points also.
Mark said that the aim of the run was to allow parents and their kids to do something special through the organisations being supported.
“I want to see parents and kids set aside money to do something special, for an outing, a trip to the zoo, or something that will make them smile,” he said.
“We all deserve to be happy.”
“Every single penny that has come in has been so much appreciated,” he added.
50K at 50: Mark and Jamie cross the finish line at Letterkenny Community Centre. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin
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Three generations of Rodgers men: Mark Rodgers, Jim Rodgers and Jamie Rodgers. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin
Mark also paid tribute to the sponsors who helped give the campaign an early boost.
“The first round of money that came in through the sponsors gave us a huge kick and got it started,” he said.
The campaign has been supported by a wide network of local businesses and volunteers, including Bonnar Engineering, Letterkenny Concrete, Voodoo Venue, Kernan Group, Damien Daly, Boyle Construction, Benedicts Hotel Belfast, 1 Stop Motor Shop, Ashley Martin Shopfitters, Daytona Heavy Haulage, Mill Park Hotel, Letterkenny Glass, C&M Embroidery, Browne Printers, Signal Signs, Letterkenny Athletic Club, Milford Athletic Club and Divers Hyundai.
Aidan Spence of Spence Digital was also been instrumental in the promotion and organisation of the fundraiser, helping to get the campaign off the ground and keep momentum building.
Donations are still open, and you can contribute via GoFundMe by clicking here.
See more photos from the celebrations at the finish line here:
Mark and Jamie with the Letterkenny Autism Family Support Gorup. One of the 50K at 50 beneficiaries. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin
Three generations of Rodgers men: Mark Rodgers, Jim Rodgers and Jamie Rodgers. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin
Mark Rodgers, Marty Brogan and Jamie Rodgers. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin
50K at 50: Mark and Jamie cross the finish line at Letterkenny Community Centre. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin
50K at 50: Mark and Jamie cross the finish line at Letterkenny Community Centre. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin
Mark and Jamie with coach Marty Lynch
