KINDNESS: Joe and his cousin Jennifer Aherne handing over the cheque to Dr Mags Clifford. Pictured at the back are: Rory and Noreen Aherne with Mary Shanahan from the Kerry Hospice Foundation.

By Michelle Crean

A local woman who took on a huge challenge ahead of her 30th birthday has been overwhelmed with the support received.

Jennifer Aherne, who turned 30 yesterday (Thursday) completed a half marathon for the Kerry Hospice Foundation (KHF) in memory of her dad Brendan Aherne (55) from Lissivigeen, who sadly passed away on September 14 last from a rare and aggressive Neuroendocrine Cancer.

To thank staff at the Palliative Care Unit in Tralee for their kindness and compassion in what was a difficult and emotional time, Jennifer decided to run 30kms a week over 10 weeks in his memory finishing with the half marathon as she turned 30.

This week she donated over €14k to KHF, but since then more donations are pouring in with the amount almost up to €15k.

"I have run 300km over the past 10 weeks," Jennifer told the Killarney Advertiser. "I found it was great for my mental health. I said I'd take it further and my cousin Joe from Kilworth, County Cork, who was very close to dad, decided to do it too."

Brendan, a carpenter, bee-keeper, bird watcher and avid soccer fan, who had a love of the simple things in life, was diagnosed in January 2020.

"It was a big shock," Jennifer said. "Dad was so strong, positive and always hopeful. He was gentle, caring and funny, he had an appreciation of nature and the outdoors and had a lovely calm and laid-back way about him. Our family try our best to live each day by his example."

She said her mother Noreen and brothers Jason and Rory are beyond grateful for the amazing care and kindness shown to him at the Palliative Care Centre in Tralee.

"Dr Maggie Clifford led a dedicated team who ensured that dad was comfortable and pain free. They also supported our family in such a difficult time, and we will never forget their kindness. We are so lucky to have such a great facility in Kerry. For me, the running was something small in comparision to what they have done for dad."

The link www.idonate.ie/JenniferAherne is open until the end of May and any more donations would be greatly appreciated, she added.