#CountyChampion- Teresa- Kildare
Hello, my name is Teresa Byrne and I’m this year’s Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon Champion for the county of Kildare, supporting the Marie Keating Foundation.
A little bit about me, I’m a wife, a mother of two and a grandmother of two wonderful grandchildren. I am 77 years old and this year’s Vhi Virtual Women’s Mini Marathon will be my 30th time to take part. I’m as excited now as I was the first time I did it.
Walking has always been a large part of my life. I never had a car or a bike as I always just enjoyed the process of walking and getting out in the fresh air. The reason that I take part is to help fundraise for the amazing charities in Ireland, helping to support people from all walks of life. I have always loved people and done my best to help those struggling, and in 2008 when I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, I was one of those people that availed of the help of others.
After my first breast cancer diagnosis, I found the Marie Keating Foundation and since then, I have been involved with their amazing work in whatever way I can be.
I always thought that their Mobile Units were a fantastic idea as they gave people outside of the city the information they needed to look after themselves and the encouragement they need to get to see their doctor.
In 2015, I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, and the cancer has now spread to my lungs. As a stage four cancer patient, my diagnosis is now incurable. But I haven’t let it stop me.
Even though I’m a bit slower now, I still take part in the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon every year. When asked what inspires me to keep taking part and keep walking, I always say it’s the people I meet along the way. I always walk the marathon, I don’t run, so every year I get chatting to someone walking beside me and we help each other through it. It’s the sense of community and camaraderie that makes the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon so special and that’s why this year, I’m delighted to be able to represent the Marie Keating Foundation, an organisation that is centred around family and support for people like me, on a cancer journey.
This year’s theme, Power Of Me is very close to my heart as in the past, I have been able to support lots of charitable causes and impact people going through a difficult time, as well as receive this support firsthand through the Marie Keating Foundation’s Positive Living support group.
I’m turning 77 this year and the advice I would give someone considering taking part in the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon would be to absolutely do it. The headspace and the freedom walking gives you is unlike anything else in life, and knowing that you are doing it for a worthy cause makes the experience that much more worthwhile.
My top tip advice to you would be never wear dark clothes when you’re walking. I’m a rainbow person at heart and will always be sure to dress head to toe in colour on marathon day. Simply because I believe colour lifts the heart.
My message to everyone would be if you want to take part, you should. It doesn’t matter how fit you are or how long it takes you. Simply taking part and getting involved is enough and if every step you take helps to support someone like me living with cancer, or whatever charity you choose to support, that’s all the better.
Anyone who wishes to join Team Marie Keating Foundation can do so below