Cork runner Charles Murphy raises over €4,000 for West Cork Rapid Response with 200km Scotland trek

Macroom man Charles Murphy raised over €4,000 for West Cork Rapid Response while trekking 200km across Scotland in 37 hours. The 47-year-old tackled the physically gruelling challenge, The Race Across Scotland ultra marathon, from August 8 to August 12, where participants are challenged to cover 346km in 100 hours. Charles began the challenge on the west coast of Scotland at Portpatrick as he trekked across rough terrain, valleys and mountains with the goal to reach Cockburnspath, which is located on Scotland's east coast, within 100 hours. The Race Across Scotland is divided into 12 checkpoints which have cut-off points throughout the event that must be passed to continue onto the next stage. Charles reached checkpoint seven (204km) at 37 hours, but an injury that had the potential to end his running career if he continued forced him to bow out. 'It was a great experience in one way, but my shins gave up on me, and it went down to my foot, which then exploded out like a balloon,' Charles said. 'I tried to carry on because it was an early-enough stage and I kept pushing on as far as I could, but I had to finish up because, if I didn't, I could have ended my running career if I did serious damage. 'Aside of that, they have a great set-up over there and I was both enjoyable and disappointing,' Charles explained. The Murphy family © Picture: Dan Cronin - West Cork The Macroom man was joined by his friend Paul Twomey of Mallow Athletics Club, who also tackled the mammoth run. Read more Cork woman Eimear McAndrew battles rare neurological disorder as family launch fundraiser for research Read more 'The isolation and the loneliness ... killed me' – Cork man Liam pauses mammoth fundraiser across Europe Charles thanked his partner Niamh for her role as his crew, which played a huge role in keeping him on track. Charles also extended plaudits to David Keane, an Expedition Director and Adventure Consultant who kept both Charles and Paul as sharp as possible throughout the gruelling event. 'David was there for every step of the way with us and helped us when we were coming to the stop points. 'He was wrapping up the toes or doing whatever was needed on the legs and making sure we were eating the right amount of food between each checkpoint. 'My partner Niamh was there every step of the way as well and she made sure everything was ready for us - such as food - down to the calorie,' Charles said. The avid runner thanked everyone who donated, shared and sponsored his fundraiser in aid of West Cork Rapid Response. 'I want to say fair play to everyone who donated, shared and sponsored the fundraiser because a lot of work went into it. 'I appreciate each and every one of you,' Charles said. West Cork First Responders is a volunteer-led organisation that provides critical lifesaving medical care. They also support the HSE's Emergency Medical Services across West Cork and is fully self-funded. Charles has so far raised over €4,200 and donations can be made to '346km Race Across Scotland by Charles Murphy' on iDonate.ie.