Colin Farrell Completes Dublin Marathon, Pushing His Friend in a Wheelchair
On Sunday, Colin Farrell paused his acting commitments to participate in the Dublin Marathon, where he pushed a lifelong friend in a wheelchair. The 48-year-old actor completed the final 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) of the 26-mile marathon, escorting his friend Emma Fogarty, who battles a rare skin disorder, to the finish line. Farrell, returning to his native Ireland for the event, sought to generate funds for DEBRA, an Irish charity aiding individuals with the incurable genetic condition epidermolysis bullosa (EB), also referred to as butterfly skin.
Emma Fogarty holds the distinction of being Ireland's oldest surviving individual with this condition, according to PA Media. Born without skin on her left foot and right arm, she experiences excruciating blisters from even the slightest contact. Having reached the age of 40 in June—a milestone she once thought unattainable due to her severe form of EB—Fogarty and Farrell committed to participating in the marathon together, PA reported.
The duo received fervent cheers from the crowd as the Oscar-nominated actor, currently starring in HBO's miniseries "The Penguin," joined Fogarty in the race's final stages on Sunday afternoon. (HBO, like CNN, is part of Warner Bros. Discovery.) Farrell expressed to PA, “Emma embodies bravery, representing courage and resolute determination.”
They crossed the finish line just before 1 p.m. local time, with Farrell clocking in at 4:06.45, according to PA. Farrell remarked, “The run pales in comparison to the daily agony she silently bears. Witnessing her await me with 4km to go, each kilometer symbolizing a decade of her life, made the final stretch unforgettable.”
Fogarty, speaking to PA, shared, “This was a dream come true, and I’m grateful to Colin, an unwaveringly supportive, generous, and loyal friend. His empathy and compassion for those with EB mark him as a true champion.”
Individuals afflicted by EB lack the critical proteins needed to bond skin layers, causing even minimal friction to result in skin tears and blisters. As a DEBRA ambassador, Fogarty is swathed in bandages over 80% of her body to stave off infections. Initially, she and Farrell aimed to raise €400,000 ($430,000) for DEBRA but now aspire to reach a million euros, having already surpassed three-quarters of their goal, according to the charity's website.
Earlier this year, Farrell initiated the Colin Farrell Foundation to support families with adult children who have intellectual disabilities. His own son, James, was born with Angelman Syndrome, a rare neurogenetic condition.
