A WATERFORD MAN is planning to do a whole lap of Ireland or the equivalent of 35 marathons in 35 days in aid of charity, starting this weekend in Waterford.

Alan Corcoran, 21, plans to embark on the 917 mile-long journey from Waterford this Sunday in aid of the Irish Heart Foundation’s Act FAST campaign to raise awareness of the signs of stroke in a person, potentially saving their life.

The son of former FAI president Milo Corcoran, Alan has the backing of the Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni as he looks to complete what he says will be the first ever attempt to run a whole lap of Ireland.

The DIT student said: “My dad suffered a stroke in March last year which left him wheelchair bound and facing into months of rehabilitation. Thankfully by recognising the symptoms of stroke he got to hospital in good time and has almost made a full recovery.”

Corcoran will begin his marathon journey at the People’s Park in Waterford City this Sunday, intending to run a whole marathon everyday before finishing up with the Viking marathon in his home city on 30 June.

With 25 All-Ireland athletics medals to his name, the town planning student has the kind of pedigree which has impressed Ireland boss Trapattoni.

The manager said: “It is an incredible test of endurance and fitness. In particular I admire that Alan is putting himself to the test to raise funds for the Irish Heart Foundation’s campaign.”

One in five people will have a stroke in their lifetime but the IHF is looking to raise awareness of the signs of stroke in a person so as they can be taken to hospital before the symptoms have a life-changing effect.

Corcoran said he was looking forward to his 917-mile journey that will finish up in his home city at the end of next month.

“One of the things I’m looking forward to most is running home to finish in my hometown of Waterford city,” he said. ”I’ll be on my last legs at that point and I’ll need all the support and motivation I can get.”

The marathon man is encouraging people  to join him on the final leg of the trip by raising €350 and registering for the Viking marathon.

Corcoran is raising money for the Irish Heart Foundation’s Act FAST campaign and the organisers are urging people to donate €1 for every marathon that he completes through the website.

For more information on stroke see Stroke.ie or talk to an Irish Heart Foundation nurse in confidence on the Irish Heart Foundation’s Heart & Stroke Helpline 1890 432 787, Mon to Fri, 10am to 5pm.