Caoimhe running in loving memory of her uncle Donal
A Cork woman living in Canada has raised more than €30,000 to support cancer patients and services.
Caoimhe O’Sullivan, a primary school teacher from Glasheen, who is currently living in Vancouver has now raised more than €31,000 for Aid Cancer Treatment ahead of the upcoming BMO Vancouver Marathon.
On 3 May, Caoimhe will take on the full 42.2km marathon in Vancouver, but for her, this year’s challenge represents far more than just another race.
She is running in loving memory of her uncle, Donal Butcher O’Sullivan, who passed away from cancer in December 2025 after a brave battle at The Glandore Centre.
She is also running in honour of her mother, Déirdre, who is currently undergoing treatment in Cork University Hospital following a recent leukaemia diagnosis.
Like many families, Caoimhe and her loved ones have experienced first-hand the emotional and physical realities of cancer treatment. Through that journey, they have also witnessed the compassion, expertise and dedication of staff at The Glandore Centre and the amazing staff in ward 2D in the CUH.
Caoimhe said her uncle had an impact on so many people, both young and old, across all aspects of his life - through business, football and golf, whether at home in Castletownbere or in his adopted ‘happy place’ of Vilamoura.
She said: “Donal had 3 Fs that were important to him - family, football and fishing! His ability to connect with people, be it in everyday life or football, was palpable. He was a larger than life character, with an infectious personality, incredible positive energy and great humour. Donal always went out of his way for everyone else. In all the worlds he touched, sport, community and the fishing industry - he made a huge difference!”
Since that first weekend at the turn of the year, Caoimhe’s page on iDonate.ie has climbed to over €31,000 with donations still open until 10 May.
A spokesperson for Aid Cancer Treatment said: “Her campaign in support of Aid Cancer Treatment has become something truly remarkable. In the first 24 hours alone, Caoimhe’s efforts showed us there is a lot of good left in the world.
“In that time, Caoimhe’s fundraiser had risen to over €12,000. That was in January when she made the decision to commit to this immense challenge.”
Every euro raised will help Aid Cancer Treatment continue its mission of improving facilities, services and supports for cancer patients in Cork, while also contributing to ongoing cancer research efforts in the region.