Climbs4Kevin and In Memory donations and fundraising in memory of Kevin Coleman RIP for Sarcoma Research & Awareness

22/10/2024

We report now on the response of an amazing family to the tragic death of a much loved man. Sadly, in July 2022, aged 29, Kevin Coleman was diagnosed with Sarcoma, a rare form of cancer. He underwent radiotherapy, surgery and chemotherapy in subsequent months, in St. Vincent’s. Unfortunately, the cancer spread and Kevin passed away 12 months after his diagnosis, on 14th July 2023, just over a week after his 30th birthday and 24 hours after his wedding to Megan Conlon, his long-term partner.

The incredible response of the family was to put their energy to making a difference to other people who encounter this terrible situation. They requested donations in lieu of flowers at Kevin’s funeral to which there was an unprecedented response. Their local GAA Club nominated the Kevin Coleman fundraising to benefit from their 2023 event of their annual “Riverstown Road to Sam”. A series of GAA competitions, table quizzes, and auctions together raised €3,350 for this great cause.

In total these activities raised the outstanding sum of €10,269 for Sarcoma Research & Awareness but the best was yet to come!

Hiking and climbing and other outdoor activities played an important part in Kevin’s life (see photo of Kevin). He took on one of the biggest peaks in 2011, completing Kilimanjaro for charity aged just 18. Motivated by this background Kevin’s family and supporters established the Climbs4Kevin Challenge.

Over two days – 12th & 13th July 2024 his family members and friends climbed a peak in each of the four Irish Provinces.

This gruelling challenge raised an unbelievable total of €72,600. This means that all these endeavours together contributed almost €83,000 to Sarcoma Research & Awareness.

Everyone in St. Vincent’s is humbled and so grateful for this extraordinary response to a family tragedy and below we capture some of the outcome in photos.

Photo shows the group at the top of Croagh Patrick during the Climbs4Kevin Challenge.

David McKeown presents the funds raised by Riverstown GAA in “Riverstown Road to Sam”.

The Coleman family presented the final outcome in Kevin’s Memory. Kevin’s wife, Megan, his parents Peter and Margaret, and his brothers, Niall and Ciaran came to Dublin for the formal conclusion of this exceptional journey.

Pictured below are members of the Coleman family Niall, Ciaran, Peter, Margaret & Megan with John Hickey of St. Vincent’s