Marie-Christine Barnett-Lonergan.

Episode two of the Marathon des Sables – The Legendary podcast is with Marie-Christine (MC) Barnett-Lonergan.

Prepare yourself, this is quite a story from MC and one that I firmly believe will bring a tear to your eye.

Listen to the podcast on Apple HERE

Spotify HERE

When I reached out for MDS stories, I knew I would find some remarkable people and MC is most definitely remarkable.

“I am MC, a 37-year old mum of two. I’m a terrible runner and not an athlete. I have never done a half-marathon until late 2023. But I am doing MDS in April.”

It was one of those introductions that had me asking, why?

“In 2015 my mum suffered a very sudden and horrific illness which left her paralysed from the neck down and reliant on a ventilator to breathe. My mum is locked in her body and has little outdoor space, so, I am doing MDS to raise funds for the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability”

But, the story does not stop there!

Listen to the podcast and be inspired.

Listen to the podcast on Apple HERE

Spotify HERE

If you would like to MC in her fund raising goals Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability Please go HERE.

“I am running to raise money to build a new and safe garden, where residents can sit independently and share time with their families. You don’t need me to tell you that being outdoors, surrounded by nature is so incredibly important to our mental health. This new garden will change lives (my mum’s, her fellow residents’ and all the families’) and take a huge pressure off the staff who so lovingly dedicate their lives to caring for others.”