Jack's incredible walking effort melts hearts

Lion-hearted Jack McDermott from Tullamore was the centre of attention in Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin last Thursday morning when he presented staff with a cheque for €11,550.

Jack raised the money by walking over 200kms during the month of February and in the process captured the hearts of thousands of people in Offaly and further afield.

For any nine year old to walk 200km in four weeks is an epic achievement, but Jack's efforts are even more noteworthy because he, like his brother Brendan and sister Sommer, suffers from Bechet's Syndrome, a rare auto-immune disease that results in the inflammation of the blood vessels and tissues.

Jack and his family have first-hand experience of the great work carried out by the staff at Crumlin and it was for this reason that the big-hearted youngster decided to give something back.

He initially set himself the target of walking 150km during February but had eaten up so much road by the middle of the month that he decided that he would try to break the 200km barrier, which he did with a few days to spare.

Jack's incredible effort did not go unnoticed. huge GAA fan, as word spread of his exploits he received messages of encouragement from some of Offaly GAA's leading figures.

In a message posted on social media on Thursday, Jack's father Brendan, who walked most of the 200km with his inspirational son said: “Proud morning here in Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin where jack handed over a cheque and presented the staff of the medical day unit with work jackets from the money raised from his walk in February.

“The final total raised from it was €11550 in what can only be described as a terrific act of generosity from everyone who helped out and donated to it. Both myself and Nina Gorman McDermott are extremely proud of Jack and what he achieved as are his sister Sommer and brothers Logan and Brendan...”