“They really are living saints.”

A Cork man is preparing to take on an emotional 100km run next month in memory of his mother, while raising vital funds for the volunteer emergency responders who came to her aid.

In August, Sam Bracken will run from his family home in Glenville, Co Cork, all the way to Tralispean Beach in West Cork –  the remote beach where his mum, Finola Halbert Bracken, tragically passed away in August 2024.

Finola, who was well known to many Cork people through Bracken’s Bakery in Cork city, died suddenly on August 11th, 2024 after getting into difficulty while at the beach with her family.

Because of the beach’s remote location, getting her to the hospital by road was not an option. Instead, the West Cork Rapid Response (WCRR) team rushed to the scene and did everything they could to help.

Now, nearly two years on, Sam is honouring his mum’s memory by raising money for the volunteer organisation that supported his family on one of the most difficult days of their lives.

His sister, Erica Bracken, said the family will never forget the efforts of the emergency responders.

“The West Cork Rapid Response team arrived as quickly as they could and did their very best to boost the small chance of survival that day.”

She described the charity as a lifeline for communities across the region.

“They are a team of volunteer-trained professionals who attend emergencies such as these all over the West Cork region. The potentially life-saving kit they carry in their own cars is entirely self-funded. They really are living saints.”

All funds raised from the 100km challenge will go directly to West Cork Rapid Response, helping the organisation continue providing emergency medical care across the region and ensuring its volunteer responders have access to the specialist equipment they need.

The route, stretching from Glenville to Tralispean Beach, carries deep personal significance for the Bracken family and will serve as both a tribute to Finola’s life and a way of giving back to those who answered the call when they needed them most.

Anyone wishing to support Sam’s fundraiser can donate through his iDonate page, with every contribution going towards West Cork Rapid Response and the vital work it carries out across West Cork.