Southside man to take on Ironman challenge for niece

A SOUTHSIDE man has embarked on a year long mission to raise awareness and money for a new charity called after his 11-year-old niece who passed away earlier this year.

Graham Keane, from Loughlinstown, is giving up the next 12 months of his life to devote his time and energy to build up the profile of the Jade Foundation.

Graham’s niece Jade died on July 18 after suffering from blindness, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and hydrocephalus.

“Jade’s death left us all very heartbroken and devastated,

? Graham said.

“Jade was the most amazing kid who for all her disabilities loved life and showed all of us what truly matters in life, family and love.

“She was the cement in our family and every day she humbled us all and showed us how to really exceed in life against all the odds with real values and an appreciation for what’s truly important. She is deeply missed.

?

Now Graham has teamed up with Jade’s mum and his sister Gillian to set up a charity foundation in her name.

“Our reason for setting this up is to give something back to everyone who played a huge part in Jade’s life, like St Josephs School for the Blind, Crumlin Children’s Hospital, Jade’s friends in school and many more people, the list is endless.

?

To kick off the foundation Graham has decided to put his life on hold for the next 12 months and do something he could never imagine doing in his life.

“I am a 33-year-old self employed car salesman from Loughlinstown and pretty much a couch potato where fitness is concerned,

? he explained.

“Despite this I will be putting myself through hell and back to compete in Ironman Wales on September 8 next year. This is a 3.8k swim, 180km cycle and 42km run, all to be completed in less than 17 hours.

“Up until last Christmas I weighed 17 stone but as I am only 5 foot 7 inches I was hugely overweight. In March I spent four days in hospital with very high blood pressure through my weight and bad lifestyle.

“My wife had also given birth to our first child Erin, and I knew drastic measures needed to be taken. Since then I have dropped three stone through eating well and a little exercise.

“I still have another two stone to lose by Christmas before my nine month pre-race programme begins. That in itself is a big task but I will successfully achieve this through the help of some amazing people.

He added:

“Already I have sent out a lot of emails to companies, shops, and personal friends telling them what my goals are and my plans to compete in the event. The response has been absolutely staggering and at the same time very heart warming and humbling. Jade’s story would be very well known on the Southside but I never thought for a second we would receive the support I have already.

?

So far Graham has managed to secure sponsorship from a range of supporters who have offered equipment, coaching and expertise, with only one condition, that Graham gives it his all to succeed.

“And that’s what I plan to do,

? he stated.

“Noel Murphy, a swim coach to a lot of Irish record holders, has put me into swim training for the event with full use of the National Aquatic Centre’s facilities and Eugene Davis, through UCD, is helping with the actual Ironman discipline and the marathon run.

“And Loughlinstown Leisure Centre has offered me free membership to the gym and swimming pool for the full year while the training is underway for the race.

?

He added:

“I relish this idea that 12 months ago I was heading in the total wrong direction with my health and one year down the line I get to become a super athlete and all the while raising money and awareness for my niece’s charity who meant the world to me.

“I also get to feel I have achieved something positive for my niece who never got a fair shot in her life and she can be remembered and live on through her charity.

?

To support Graham go to www.jadefoundation.ie or tel 0862413099.