Paraic O’Neill completes Melbourne to Sydney run for Cystic Fibrosis in memory of his lifelong friend

Paraic O’Neill completes Melbourne to Sydney run for Cystic Fibrosis in memory of his lifelong friend. Pics via @paraiconeill Instagram

Ultra-endurance runner Paraic O’Neill completed a 1,200 km run from Melbourne to Sydney, raising more than 28,000 AUD for Cystic Fibrosis Australia in memory of his lifelong friend Cathal Scanlon

27-year-old Crecora native, Paraic O’Neill, has completed a 1,200 km run across Australia to raise awareness and funds for Cystic Fibrosis Australia in memory of his lifelong friend, Cathal Scanlon, who sadly passed away from Cystic Fibrosis at the age of 21.

Originally from Limerick and now living in Australia, O’Neill said the challenge was a way to give back to the country which has given him unforgettable memories and “a sense of home far from home”.

Speaking about his drive to support the Cystic Fibrosis charity, Paraic said, “Cystic fibrosis is a cause that is deeply personal to me. Almost six years ago, I lost a lifelong friend to this disease. Watching someone you love fight for every breath changes you forever. It’s the reason I use endurance challenges as a platform for awareness and fundraising—and why I refuse to sit still when there’s an opportunity to help.”

advertisement
advertisement

advertisement
advertisement

advertisement
advertisement

advertisement
advertisement

The challenge saw Paraic run from Melbourne to Sydney over multiple consecutive days, averaging ultra-marathon distances daily, with the Limerick man saying before the run, “It will be physically and mentally demanding—but that challenge is nothing compared to what people living with cystic fibrosis face every single day.”

To date, O’neill has raised more than €100,000 for charities through his long-distance endurance events with funds raised for Irish Cancer Society and Cystic Fibrosis Ireland.

Following his run, Cystic Fibrosis Australia shared a heartwarming message for the Crecora man, saying, “It’s hard to put into words just how incredible this journey has been. Paraic O’Neill has now run over 1,200kms from Sydney to Melbourne in 24 days and raised an amazing over $28,000, an effort that speaks volumes about his determination, generosity, and heart.

“We are so incredibly proud of him, and deeply grateful for everything he’s given to this. Every kilometre, every early start, every tough day, he’s carried it all with such purpose, and it’s inspired so many of us along the way.”

Keeping his followers updated on social media, Paraic shared his own message of gratitude for his supporters, saying, “My happiest moments from the Melbourne to Sydney run were all moments shared with others. It was the support of family, friends and strangers that allowed me to not only get to the finish but to also to get me to the start line in one piece, which is easier said than done.”

The fundraiser remains open, with donations bringing him closer to his goal of $35,000, adding to his message to his supporters he said, “If you want to go fast go alone but if you want to go far go together.”