Raised so far
$110,264
Our goal
$100,000
Odhran's Run for Kids' Cancer Research
In June 2022, after a 2.5 year battle with a rare childhood cancer, rhabdomyosarcoma, our son Odhran passed away at the age of 14.
Sadly, Odhran's story is not unique. Each week in Australia, 3 children die from cancer. This is why we need more research into more effective and less harsh treatments.
Odhran was an amazing kid who was adored by so many and brought so much joy into our lives. He endured more than anyone should, but was prepared to keep going with any treatments offered.
Despite what he had to deal with, he always had a smile and relished spending time with family and friends. It was an absolute privilege to have him in our lives, we just wish he was still here.
With heartfelt thanks,
Simon and Ciara
About Odhran
In June 2022, after a 2.5 year battle with cancer, our son Odhran passed away at the age of 14.
He had rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare children's cancer, and underwent 42 weeks of harsh chemotherapy and 6 weeks of radiotherapy. His scans at 30 weeks looked good, however after completing this treatment, we were told that Odhran's cancer had returned.
After this relapse, his prognosis was 'grim'; the only options were chemo treatments that were less likely to be effective or surgery. In March 2021, Odhran had major surgery involving the removal of his bladder, pancreas, rectum, part of his bowel, and part of his pelvic bone.
Six weeks after surgery, Odhran started on weekly chemo again. However, 4 months after this brutal surgery, we received the devastating news that there was a new tumour, with no known effective treatment available.
Odhran's only option at this stage was to get on to a clinical trial that might hopefully make a difference. Odhran continued to have conventional chemo to try to slow the tumour's growth while we waited for a suitable clinical trial to open.
Unfortunately, Odhran's cancer progressed before any effective treatment could be found.
Sadly, Odhran's story is not unique. Each week in Australia, 3 children die from cancer. This is why we need more research into more effective and less harsh treatments.
Start your own fundraiser as part of Odhran's Run
Donate today to help change the future for kids with cancer
Michael and Lillian Grech just donated $210.20- Orla Woods just donated $106.12
- City2Surf just donated $23535.00
Jenny Allan just donated $105.50- Michael & Lillian Grech just donated $209.00
Orla Woods just donated $105.50- Eoin just donated $520.00
- Orla Woods just donated $105.50
- Stephanie just donated $105.50
- Siew just donated $100.00
- Tamara just donated $50.00
Anonymous just donated $1020.00- Anonymous just donated $2020.00
- Claire just donated $52.25
Paul Dahdal just donated $105.50- Maria Pantalone just donated $52.75
- Serge Makro just donated $52.75
- Anonymous just donated $500.00
- Karen Moggridge just donated $52.75
Lana Angel just donated $105.50
Our Event Blogs
2023 Recap
Hi everyone,
We wanted to say a very big thank you for helping us raise funds for the Children’s Cancer Institute in memory of our amazing kid Odhran.
Odhran would find it amusing/baffling that we’ve chosen to honour his memory this way, but the running serves two purposes: it’s a way to deal with our loss; and it provides a way to generate something positive from something so tragic.
In August, we completed our first ever City2Surf (tougher than some of us expected).
In September, we ran the Sydney Half Marathon (easier than City2Surf!).
And in November, we completed the final instalment in our run trilogy where it all started last year – the Husky Half Marathon.
Along the way, we've been joined by friends and family who have also fundraised in Odhran’s memory – we're very grateful for their ongoing support.
So, a big thank you for supporting our fundraising this year in Odhran’s memory - $27K in 2023 – including all the anonymous donors that we can’t thank directly because we don’t know who you are!!
Thank you all,
Ciara, Simon and Aodhfin
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Leaderboards
Thank you to our amazing supporters
Michael and Lillian Grech
Orla Woods
Remembering our much loved Odhran most especially on his birthday. Auntie Orla xx
Jenny Allan
Michael & Lillian Grech
In loving memory of Odhran. Forever in our hearts. Love Nunnu & Nunna
Orla Woods
Remembering our beautiful & much loved Odhran xx
Eoin Smyth
Orla Woods
Dearest Odhran, always in our hearts, lots of love Auntie Orla xx
Stephanie De Souza
Siew Fu
Tamara Davies
Anonymous
Anonymous
Claire McLoughlin
Paul Dahdal
Maria Pantalone
Serge Makro
Anonymous
Well done to everyone participating in this year's fundraising runs, all tough challenges, in memory of Odhran.
Karen Moggridge
Wishing you all the best of luck with the run, in honour of Odhran and such a worthy cause. 💕
Lana Angel
Anonymous
Michelle & Craig
Run! We can’t but we love that you do and for such a great cause in Odhran’s memory. Love from us x
Anonymous
Ciara and Simon
We are very proud of you, love mum and dad.
Aodhfin Grech
Leif Gould
Go get 'em Simon.
Jasmine and Max Newman
All the best with achieving your goal Simon. Jasmine and Max Newman
Anonymous
Tom Skotadis
All the best Simon. Your strength and commitment to this cause is inspirational
kylie valentine
Rosemary & Morgan
We love you guys
Jean Tabone
Matthew Booth
Have fun at the first of many Half Marathons!
Anonymous
Doing a great job fundraising for a great cause
Ian Lloyd
Best of luck mate and a great cause, you got this 💪
Orla Woods
Your fundraising efforts have been incredible Ciara. Thinking of you as embark on your next fundraiser in memory of our much loved Odhran.
Helen Bosworth
Great pins Grechy! You’ve got this x
Kerri Allen
You have got this Mattty - run 🏃🏻♂️ 🕶️🩲🏃🏻♂️run for me pleas. I need you to run really quick for a long time at the moment ❤️🩹🕎❤️🩹🕎
Carlos Echevarri
Well done legend! Hope the body holds out!
Stu and Lisa Allan
Yuvisthi Naidoo and Nirmal Patel
Wishing you all the best for the run. This is a beautiful way to honour Odhran. His memory remains in all our hearts.
Franziska
Good luck! Pack plenty of ibuprofen 😜
Anonymous
Your family are always in our thoughts .
Maria Pantalone
Paul Greenup
Anonymous
Wishing you the best of luck with your fundraising efforts this year. Take Care.
Paul Evans
Good luck to you, have fun
Karen Pezzutto
Run like the Police are chasing you!
Maria Pantalone
Cathy Thomson
Julie Allman
Best of luck!
Your donation to Odhran's Run will help save lives!
Get in touch
Do you have a question about Odhran's Run for Kids' Cancer Research? Please email odhransrunteam@gmail.com
Or if you have a question about Children's Cancer Institute please contact us at events@ccia.org.au
Remembering on your birthday Odhran. Miss you everyday. Forever in our Hearts. Nunnu & Nunna ❤️