By Sean Murphy
Copyright irishmirror
A big-hearted postman has raised thousands for charity by running five kilometres every day for 1,000 days in a row. Nico, 53, has chalked up over 5,000km since embarking on his first 5K in aid of charity on New Year’s Day 2023. The charity runner, from Tallaght in Dublin, has raised the cash in aid of different charities and was named Tallaght Person of the Year in November 2023. He started in 2023 and by July 2024, he had run 5K every day for 560 days in a row. Nico has now reached a huge landmark figure of running a 5K every day for 1,000 days in a row He told the Irish Mirror : “I am a taxi driver and a postal sorter in An Post who has been running 5Ks for charity. “I reached the 1,000 mark on September 27 with some close family and friends running with me in support. “I ran my 1,000th day in a row of 5K or more. In the time since New Year’s Day 2023 I have also completed a few marathons. “I also ran the Donadea 50k, which takes place at Donadea Forest Park in Kildare, with runners completing 10 laps of a 5km course within the park to reach the 50km distance. “I’m hoping to continue for the moment at least until I run the Dublin City Marathon. “I’m hoping to run as part of a group fundraiser in a Spiderman custom. It is for a young man called Daniel and a young girl called April.” Daniel Tighe has Sotos Syndrome, which in some cases can cause severe intellectual disability , visual impairment, epilepsy sensory processing disorder, feeding difficulties, nonverbal and challenging behaviour. Dan’s loving mother Sinead set up a parkrun community and a buggy loan scheme for families who have children with special needs. Nico’s fundraising also helps the Aoibheann’s Pink Tie charity, which was set up by Jimmy Norman in memory of his daughter Aoibheann, who died from cancer in 2010 at just eight years old. The charity provides financial and practical support to families of children with cancer and it takes its name from the colours of ties worn by men at Aoibheann’s funeral because it was her favourite. Nico said: “I am remembering April, a young girl who sadly passed away last year after battling cancer with the biggest of smiles. “I had the great pleasure of meeting April as part of some voluntary work I did with Aoibheann’s Pink Tie.” Shamrock Rovers fan Nico wears a lily badge in his hat when he is running and said: “The lily is for my mam Lily, who sadly passed away in July last after 14 years of dementia. “She gave me strength to keep running through those sad final days.” Nico, who is also a soccer referee in the Dublin area, has run in aid of charities like the Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice, Suzanne House, Aoibheann’s Pink Tie, and Debra Ireland. And the dad-of-three has visited Crumlin Children’s Hospital in Dublin dressed as Spiderman to entertain sick kids. He is well-known in his community for his involvement in sports clubs and charitable causes. Nico has managed teams for Tallaght Town FC and is heavily involved with Thomas GAA Club which includes his sons Ryan and Zak as members. He also acts with theatre group Now and Then Production Company with his daughter Rebecca. Nico was named Tallaght Person of the Year by Tallaght Community Council (TCC). He said at the time: “I don’t deserve the award. I just do bits and pieces. But we all have one thing in common and that is to keep the community going.” Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
