In a heartwarming display of friendship and charity, acclaimed actor Colin Farrell took to the streets of Dublin to run the Dublin Marathon, raising awareness and funds for a cause that deeply resonates with him: the rare genetic skin disorder known as Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). Farrell, 48, joined 20,000 runners for the event, but his commitment was personal—he ran as part of “Team Emma,” pushing the wheelchair of his dear friend Emma Fogarty, the longest-surviving person in Ireland living with this challenging condition.
Emma, affectionately known as “butterfly skin” due to the fragility of her skin, was diagnosed with EB at birth. This genetic mutation, which affects roughly one in 50,000 people, results in extremely delicate skin that is prone to blisters and infections. Despite the struggles that come with her diagnosis, Emma’s spirit remains unbroken, and her friendship with Farrell is a testament to her incredible resilience.
Reflecting on the marathon experience, Farrell described it as “extraordinary” during an interview with RTÉ News. The actor and Fogarty, who have been friends for over 15 years after meeting at a charity event, took on this unique challenge as part of Emma’s celebration of turning 40. For the last four kilometers of the marathon—representing four decades of Emma’s brave life—Farrell pushed her wheelchair, symbolizing not just their friendship but also the strength and courage both have demonstrated in the face of adversity.
“The support out there was incredible,” Farrell remarked, highlighting the enthusiasm of the crowd that motivated him and Emma during the race. “As soon as you turn a corner, there’s hundreds, or a couple of thousand people there. It gave you a little bump.” This camaraderie exemplified the community spirit that often emerges during charitable events, reminding us of the collective power to uplift those facing challenges.
Farrell credited Emma’s incredible strength as the catalyst for his participation in the marathon. “It all started with how you found a way to live with EB and live not as a victim of EB,” he said. His words emphasized the importance of fighting spirit, showcasing Emma as an individual who, despite her struggles, embraces life fully and refuses to be defined by her condition. “Even though you suffer with it, you have a full life that has more pain than should be experienced by any one human being,” Farrell acknowledged.
Prior to their marathon adventure, Emma took to Instagram to express her gratitude to supporters and fans. “I’m here waiting for Colin to meet me at the last 4km. He’s moving fast and doing really well,” she shared, excitement radiating through her words. “Thank you all for your amazing support and donations.” Emma’s goal of reaching €1 million in donations for the charity Debra Ireland, which supports individuals affected by EB, has brought her community together in a significant way.
Through their efforts, Farrell and Fogarty managed to raise over $700,000 for charity, showcasing the profound impact one friendship can have when paired with a commitment to a greater cause. This marathon not only celebrated Emma’s milestone birthday but also reminded us all of the power of compassion, friendship, and community in overcoming life’s obstacles.
