Offaly native takes on 1,000 push-ups in one hour challenge

A Birr hurler is pushing it to the limit this Thursday as he attempts to complete 1,000 push-ups in an hour to raise funds for two extremely worthy causes.

Michael Verney, who has raised €7,323 to date, is looking for the public's help to hit a total of €12,000 for the #DoitforDan campaign, and for PPE for HSE staff during this unprecedented crisis.

“I will have a live stream on Facebook on April 30 so tune in if you enjoy some torture and let's raise all the money we can for two great causes,” the Irish Independent sports journalist and former Offaly hurler jokes.

There was huge celebration at the weekend as #DoitforDan campaign announced that the €2.1 million target had been reached as a result of fundraisers completed and those still underway in less than two months.

Dan Donoher is a one-year-old boy who was diagnosed with a rare genetic neuromuscular disease called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1 and Scoliosis.

It had been incurable but a wonder drug on the US market called Zolgensma has offered Dan, whose parents Niall and Aisling played football for Laois, a chance at an improved or even a normal life. 

To donate to Michael's push up challenge go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/1000-push-ups-in-1-hour