From Vancouver to Cork: Caoimhe O’Sullivan Presents €42,245 to Aid Cancer Treatment
Caoimhe O’Sullivan presents the proceeds of her Vancouver Marathon fundraising campaign to Aid Cancer Treatment at the Glandore Centre, Cork University Hospital.
Four months ago, Aid Cancer Treatment shared the story of a young Cork woman living in Vancouver who had committed to taking on an extraordinary challenge.
Caoimhe O’Sullivan began training through the winter months for the BMO Vancouver Marathon, running in memory of her uncle, Donal Butcher O’Sullivan, and in honour of her mother, Déirdre, who is currently undergoing treatment at Cork University Hospital.
What followed was an incredible journey of determination, generosity and community spirit that captured the hearts of supporters both at home and abroad.
This week, that journey came full circle as Caoimhe returned home to Cork and formally presented a cheque for €42,245 to Aid Cancer Treatment during a visit to the Glandore Centre at Cork University Hospital.
The presentation brought together Caoimhe and members of the Aid Cancer Treatment Board, providing an opportunity to reflect on what has become one of the most remarkable fundraising campaigns ACT has had the privilege to support.
When ACT first shared Caoimhe’s story in February, donations began arriving almost immediately. By April, her fundraising campaign had surpassed €31,000. By the time she crossed the finish line of the Vancouver Marathon on May 3rd in an impressive time of 3 hours and 39 minutes, that total had exceeded €40,000.
Now, following the close of the campaign, the final amount raised stands at an extraordinary €42,245.
Throughout the past number of months, supporters from Cork, Vancouver and beyond rallied behind Caoimhe’s efforts, with friends, family members, colleagues, local businesses and members of the wider community all playing a role in helping the campaign grow from a personal challenge into an international show of support.
The campaign carried deep personal significance for Caoimhe and her family.
She undertook the marathon in loving memory of her uncle, Donal Butcher O’Sullivan, who sadly passed away from cancer in December 2025 following a brave battle at The Glandore Centre. She also ran in support of her mother, Déirdre, who is currently receiving treatment at Cork University Hospital.
Like so many families across Cork, Caoimhe’s family has experienced first-hand both the challenges of a cancer diagnosis and the importance of the care, support and services available to patients and their loved ones.
The funds raised through this campaign will help Aid Cancer Treatment continue supporting projects that enhance facilities, patient services and cancer research initiatives connected with Cork University Hospital and University College Cork.
Caoimhe returned home to Cork for one week and visited the Glandore Centre to meet ACT Board members and present the final proceeds of the campaign.
Meeting Caoimhe this week and seeing the final proceeds of the campaign presented at the very centre that inspired her fundraising journey was a proud and emotional moment for everyone involved.
Everyone at Aid Cancer Treatment would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Caoimhe, her family, her friends, her supporters and every person who donated, shared the campaign or helped spread the word over the past four months.
From training runs in a Vancouver winter, to marathon day in Canada, to this week’s presentation at the Glandore Centre, it has been an incredible journey to witness.
Caoimhe’s determination, positivity and generosity have inspired people on both sides of the Atlantic and have created a lasting impact for cancer patients and cancer research in Cork.
On behalf of everyone at Aid Cancer Treatment, thank you, Caoimhe.
What began as one woman’s challenge has become a remarkable story of support, raising €42,245 and helping to make a real difference for cancer patients and their families throughout Cork.