PHILIP Kissane, the Construction Site Manager for Sisk at the new Killarney Community Hospital, has presented a cheque for more than €10,000 to Kerry Mental Health Association after completing the Kerry Way Ultra Marathon last month (6/7 Sept).
The mental health advocate from Killarney nominated Kerry Mental Health Association as the benefitting charity for the 200km event which was staged along the trails and mountains of the scenic Kerry Way.
It was the equivalent of five marathons and saw him run for 36 hours over two consecutive days and through the night on 6th and 7th September.
Philip raised €5,945 through an iDonate fundraising page while his employer, Sisk, added a donation of €5,000 bringing the total to €10,945.
The General Manager of Kerry Mental Health Association, John Drummey, said, “Philip’s achievement in completing the ultramarathon is truly phenomenal and we are grateful to him for choosing Kerry Mental Health Association as the beneficiary of the enormous fundraising outcome. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to the fundraiser, in particular to Sisk who added a substantial donation of €5,000. All funds raised will help Kerry Mental Health Association to support people with mental health challenges, their families and carers in Kerry.”
After completing the Kerry Way Ultra Marathon, Philip Kissane, said, “It was a wonderful experience, albeit tiring, to take part in such a testing event. I was proud to support Kerry Mental Health Association because it’s hugely important to look after your mental health. As a mental health ambassador within Sisk, I understand how we need to be conscious of each other’s mental wellbeing and to reduce the stigma around it. I want to thank the people who donated online, Sisk for matching the fundraising up to €5,000 and everyone who supported me before and during the event.”
The Kerry Way Ultra was conducted along The Kerry Way trail with the athletes running over mountain passes, green trails, boggy ground, wire-covered sleepers, country roads and a minimum of main road. Anyone wishing to support Kerry Mental Health Association can do so at https://KerryMentalHealth.ie/donate.
