Running for Alannah

Alannah Sheehan is a chef, mother of three and wife to her best friend, Martin. Shortly after the birth of the couple’s third child, Alannah was diagnosed with a high grade, rare and aggressive glioblastoma – a brain tumour. Her doctors said, with treatment, she would have a 50% chance of living two years. After undergoing brain surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, she is one year in and giving her all every day to defy the odds.

She set up an Instagram account, @worth_fighting4, to act as a diary for her children, so they will get to know who she was. She provides inspiration to her 25,000 followers through her zest for life and wild sense of humour.

“Although you may not be able to change your situation, you can change your way of thinking and there is always hope and light at the end of the tunnel,” she says.

Due to the nature of the glioblastoma, Alannah can have seizures at any time. She has given up her job and can no longer be left alone. Martin has also put pause on his work as he cares for her and their children - Finn, 5; Luca, 3 and Phoebe, 1. Friends and family are raising funds to help them with bills and funding for any trials or treatment which may become available.

Most recently, a friend created a social media campaign and virtual event called Running for Alannah. Taking place over the Easter weekend, it is a 5km or 10km run, walk or cycle to raise funds and build awareness. People can participate from anywhere in the world.

Alannah recently took part in Síle Seoige’s Ready to be Real podcast. Alannah’s friend and local photographer Geraldine Long explains. “Her honesty, rawness and complete will to live for her children in this interview inspired this virtual, all-inclusive Easter event as a tribute to Alannah.”

HOW TO HELP

For more information on the event or to get involved, visit the Instagram account @runningforalannah or donate and sign up for the event at eventbrite.ie/o/running-for-alannah