Irvine: Martin McBreen to run 1,000 miles for cancer charity

Martin McBreen is a man with a charity mission on his mind, hence his plans for a mammoth 1,000mile running effort throughout the year of 2024.

The Irvine dad is currently taking on the challenge and has already covered over 200 miles so far.

His aim is to raise as much money as possible for Young Lives Vs Cancer - a charity very close to Martin's heart.

Back in July last year, Martin and his family's lives were turned upside down when their daughter was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.

Martin explained: "Following a visit to the doctor because she (Indy) was pale, bruising easily, and had an unexpected nosebleed she was referred to the paediatric unit at Crosshouse who confirmed our worst fears, she had Leukaemia.

"She was transferred by emergency ambulance that evening to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow where she spent seven weeks receiving intensive treatment."

Now aged three, inspirational tot Indy has continued battling the horrible disease for a year since that date and has had to endure some incredibly challenging times.

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Since her diagnosis Indy has spent 70 nights in hospital, including two stints of emergency care following a spike in her temperature.

The three-year-old has also had over 100 doses of chemotherapy - delivered orally, via injection, through her central line, or into her spine - three bone marrow aspirates, eight general anaesthetic, five blood transfusions, countless finger pricks and injections, five weeks of steroids. She has also lost her hair due to the side effects of chemo.

"She deals with everything that's thrown at her," Martin added.

"She's an absolute inspiration and has coped with it so well. Much better than I could cope, that's for sure.

"She's an amazing little girl who has taken all of this in her stride and we're unbelievably proud of her."

Indy has been responding really well to her treatment so far and is currently in remission, though she and her family have a long two years of further treatment ahead to make sure she stays cancer-free.

It is the support that the McBreen family have received during this turbulent time that has inspired Martin's fundraising efforts.

He explained: "During the time we've been on this rollercoaster, we've been helped by many charities including Team Jak, Love Oliver, The Little Princess Trust, to name a few.

"Whilst we'd love to support all these charities now - and we will in future - the one that's been there for us from day one offering help and support has been Young Lives Vs Cancer who run the amazing Marion's House in Glasgow."

Marion's house offers accommodation next to the hospital for families in need as well as providing support to families going through similar circumstances to to the McBreens.

Martin continued: "Given that Indy has been to go through a challenging time, it's only fair that I, her dad, challenge myself too.

"I like to run and have always wanted to do something a bit crazy with it, so in 2024 I'm pledging to run, jog or walk (maybe crawl by the end) a total of 1,000 miles over the course of the year and I'd love to raise money while doing so.

"Running 1,000 miles in a year is something I've wanted to do for a while but have never come close.

"Raising money for Young Lives vs Cancer given the help they've offered us since Indy's diagnosis seems like a great motivation to do just that."

To complete this incredible challenge, Martin will have to run an average of three miles per day, or around 80 miles per month. In total, he will spend about 200 hours this year in his trainers pounding the pavements.

He is off to a fantastic start, and is now looking for as much support as possible as he heads towards the end of the first third of his challenge.

Those wishing to make a donation can do so online via justgiving.com/page/indymcbreen.

More information on Indy's journey and Martin's fundraising can also be found at sites.google.com/view/mcbreen/martin