Colin Farrell breaks down as he completes the Dublin City Marathon with close friend Emma Fogarty in emotional bid to raise money for people with her rare genetic skin condition

Colin Farrell breaks down as he completes the Dublin City Marathon with close friend Emma Fogarty in emotional bid to raise money for people with her rare genetic skin condition

As I delve into the captivating narrative of Colin Farrell’s journey as The Penguin, I can’t help but be awestruck by his dedication and transformation. From battling the scorching heat in an igloo to enduring grueling makeup sessions for hours on end, it’s clear that this role was more than just another acting gig for him.


Colin Farrell emotionally collapsed upon finishing the Irish marathon alongside his dear friend Emma Fogarty, praising her for embodying true bravery.

The Hollywood star ran the Irish Life Dublin Marathon for Fogarty, who is Ireland’s longest survivor with the genetic condition epidermolysis bullosa (EB).

On Sunday afternoon, the actor propelled Fogarty’s wheelchair over the finish line as he concluded his run, aiming to collect funds for individuals suffering from that specific condition.

From birth, Fogarty lacked skin on her left foot and right arm. Even the gentlest contact causes painful blisters for her – a condition often referred to as having ‘butterfly skin’.

Amongst the sea of 22,500 runners in that marathon, it was none other than Kenyan prodigy, Moses Kemei who crossed the finish line first, shattering his own record with an astonishing personal best time of 2 hours, 8 minutes, and 47 seconds. I can’t help but feel a thrill coursing through my veins as I marvel at this feat of athletic prowess!

Colin Farrell breaks down as he completes the Dublin City Marathon with close friend Emma Fogarty in emotional bid to raise money for people with her rare genetic skin condition

Colin Farrell breaks down as he completes the Dublin City Marathon with close friend Emma Fogarty in emotional bid to raise money for people with her rare genetic skin condition
Colin Farrell breaks down as he completes the Dublin City Marathon with close friend Emma Fogarty in emotional bid to raise money for people with her rare genetic skin condition

48-year-old Oscar-nominated actor Farrell persevered despite physical discomfort to cross the finish line of a 42km (26-mile) race in 4 hours, 6 minutes, and 45 seconds.

He said his crowning achievement was having Fogarty, from Abbeyleix, in Co Laois, join him for the final 4km, as he pushed her wheelchair.

As Fogarty marked her 40th birthday, a significant achievement she once doubted would come, each subsequent kilometer they journeyed symbolized a decade of her life.

She accompanied him for the last 4 kilometers of the route, symbolizing that each kilometer signified a decade from her life.

At first, Their Run To 40 campaign aimed for a fundraising goal of €400,000 (approximately £333,000), which was set to benefit Debra, the national organization assisting individuals with EB. However, after receiving €470,000 (around £391,000) in donations from viewers of The Late Late Show last week, they have increased their objective to raising a million euros (approximately £833,000).

The tally now exceeds 694,000 euros (£578,000).

After crossing the finish line on Upper Mount Street around 1pm, the actors from The Banshees of Inisherin and The Penguin shared their thoughts: “I’ve known Emma for a long time, and she embodies bravery. She is the very essence of courage and relentless determination.

‘That run was nothing compared to the pain she is forced to endure every single day, even though she doesn’t show it.

Colin Farrell breaks down as he completes the Dublin City Marathon with close friend Emma Fogarty in emotional bid to raise money for people with her rare genetic skin condition
Colin Farrell breaks down as he completes the Dublin City Marathon with close friend Emma Fogarty in emotional bid to raise money for people with her rare genetic skin condition
Colin Farrell breaks down as he completes the Dublin City Marathon with close friend Emma Fogarty in emotional bid to raise money for people with her rare genetic skin condition

It was a privilege to find her there, still waiting as I had 4 kilometers left to run – each kilometer symbolizing a decade of her life. Sharing that last leg of the journey with her is something I will always remember.

Fogarty expressed her intention to mark her 40th birthday in June with a flamboyant celebration, as people with her type of EB seldom survive past the age of 35.

She expressed her gratitude by saying, “This was like a dream realized for me, and I owe it all to Colin, who’s not just supportive, but also generous and unwaveringly loyal – the kind of friend anyone would be fortunate to have.

He consistently demonstrates his kindness and understanding towards those suffering from EB, making him a genuine hero in my opinion.

As someone who takes commitments seriously, I can say that embarking on a marathon journey isn’t a breeze, but once I made the promise to myself, turning back wasn’t an option. I am a person who stands by my words.

Colin Farrell breaks down as he completes the Dublin City Marathon with close friend Emma Fogarty in emotional bid to raise money for people with her rare genetic skin condition
Colin Farrell breaks down as he completes the Dublin City Marathon with close friend Emma Fogarty in emotional bid to raise money for people with her rare genetic skin condition
Colin Farrell breaks down as he completes the Dublin City Marathon with close friend Emma Fogarty in emotional bid to raise money for people with her rare genetic skin condition

Fogarty has been diagnosed with the most critical type of EB, and doctors initially predicted that she wouldn’t survive for more than a week after her birth. However, this was shared earlier this year about her situation.

The genetic condition is caused by a lack of proteins between the skin layers, meaning even the mildest touch can cause devastatingly painful blisters, which must be bandaged, causing more extreme pain.

Some 80% of her body is covered in layers of bandages to prevent wound infection.

According to the doctors, they advised that it might be more beneficial for me not to continue living, as my life would be incredibly difficult, Fogarty explained.

Surprisingly, given that individuals like me with this kind of EB typically don’t live as long, I’ve been instilled with the spirit of a fighter since day one.

‘Reaching 40 shouldn’t be a miracle, but right now, it is.’ 

Fogarty has also had two battles with cancer.

As a passionate advocate for wellness and innovation, I’m thrilled to be part of the Run To 40 campaign that aims to raise crucial funds. These funds will ignite groundbreaking research into EB, a significant medical challenge here in Ireland. Let’s run together towards a healthier future!

Prior to taking up the challenge, Farrell could be seen shaking hands with Dublin’s Lord Mayor, James Geoghegan.

This year’s route began on Leeson Street Lower and concluded at Mount Street Upper, taking participants past several of the city’s most well-known attractions along the way.

His run comes after the Penguin actor revealed the hidden hell behind his mind-boggling transformation for the new HBO series.

Once more, Farrell steps into the limelight, taking on the lead character – known familiarly as Oswald ‘Oz’ Cobb – repeating his portrayal from the 2022 movie “The Batman.

In this morning’s latest installment, I found myself utterly captivated when the talented actor revealed a fascinating secret: if someone were to apply my makeup while I slumbered and then showed me a photograph of my metamorphosis, I’d hardly recognize the transformed visage staring back at me!

In conversation with hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard, Farrell disclosed that initially, a team of twelve makeup artists spent eight hours refining his appearance before achieving the perfect final look.

The transformation into one of Gotham’s most eerie villains was not for the faint-hearted. 

As a devoted follower, I frequently find myself skipping meals due to the multitude of layers of attire and cosmetics I don, leaving little time for breakfast and lunch. (Farrell stated that because of the seemingly endless layers of clothing and makeup, he often went without eating breakfast and lunch.)

Colin Farrell breaks down as he completes the Dublin City Marathon with close friend Emma Fogarty in emotional bid to raise money for people with her rare genetic skin condition
Colin Farrell breaks down as he completes the Dublin City Marathon with close friend Emma Fogarty in emotional bid to raise money for people with her rare genetic skin condition
Colin Farrell breaks down as he completes the Dublin City Marathon with close friend Emma Fogarty in emotional bid to raise money for people with her rare genetic skin condition

In addition, he admitted that he battled intensely with the sweltering heat, often finding refuge between filming sessions within an igloo connected to three powerful air conditioning units.

He mentioned that finding an appropriate time to use the restroom was somewhat challenging, as he hadn’t eaten either breakfast or lunch, which meant Penguin (apparently his pet) was fasting at intervals.

However, when I took a short break, it typically lasted around 20 minutes and required a GPS device to navigate through all the various layers, buttons, and zippers.

In the makeup process for the intense torture scene, I spent around seven to eight hours without clothes. However, performing in this show felt incredibly honoring, given its significant role in my childhood. Indeed, Batman and Gotham have always held a special place in my heart.

“I felt as though I was a blank slate, it was truly remarkable… And at the end of the performance, it becomes exceptionally dark.

Earlier this month, HBO premiered the much-awaited show “The Penguin,” and viewers didn’t hesitate to express their overwhelming approval.

Fervent viewers raved about the 70-minute episode on various social platforms, with several describing it as one of the top series of the current year.

In a recent chat with Total Film, when asked about coming back for another season, Farrell responded with, “I’m not sure yet.

Colin Farrell breaks down as he completes the Dublin City Marathon with close friend Emma Fogarty in emotional bid to raise money for people with her rare genetic skin condition

He confessed that, despite enjoying it, it had affected him somewhat. Towards the end, he found himself complaining loudly to anyone who’d listen, expressing his desire for it to conclude.

Farrell emphasized that although he felt a bit grumbly, he was indeed thankful and continued to hold the respect.

He added that he, ‘grew up’ seeing Burgess Meredith portray The Penguin in the original Batman TV series, adding Danny DeVito from Tim Burton’s 1992 film Batman Returns, ‘was my Penguin.’

In relation to being connected to that storytelling legacy, I truly felt honored. However, as the conversation ended… he remarked, almost visibly affected, saying he seems to turn quite purple when recalling that memory.

Farrell explained that he wasn’t exactly a stranger to his own identity, avoiding chaos like setting cars on fire, but when you combine what Matt Reeves brought to the table as director, Lauren LeFranc’s work on The Penguin, and Mike Marino’s contributions in prosthetics and makeup, it created an incredibly intense and impactful experience.

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2024-10-27 20:11

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