Colin Farrell has helped raise over €500,000

The Penguin star has helped raise over €500,000 for the charity ahead of the Dublin Marathon next weekend.

Farrell and Emma Fogarty appeared on the Late Late Show to raise vital funds for Debra.

Emma Fogarty is the longest-surviving person battling epidermolysis bullosa (EB).

The Irish public was so moved by the duo that they helped raise over half a million euro for Debra.

Emma Fogarty celebrated her ‘miracle’ 40th birthday, despite having the most severe type of genetic skin condition. 

Farrell is set to take part in the Irish Life Dublin Marathon next Sunday to mark the milestone.

Emma will join him in a wheelchair for the final 4km – each kilometre representing a decade of her life.  

Their ‘Run to 40’ challenge has raised over €500,000 for Debra with €415,000 raised on the night alone. 

“I am in a state of shock and absolute excitement, I can’t believe that this has been achieved,” said Debra CEO, Jimmy Fearon.

“Emma and Colin were outstanding and we are overjoyed with the funds raised.”

Emma was born with no skin on her left foot and right arm, EB causes excruciating blisters on her skin at the mildest touch.

The condition is also known as ‘Butterfly Skin’.   

Emma lives with recessive dystrophic EB, the most severe form of the rare genetic disease, with a current life expectancy of 30-35 years.    

Funds raised will be used to fuel pioneering research that could transform the future for everyone with EB in Ireland.   

If you can support the fundraising initiative, donate or join the Run to 40 fundraising effort at debra.ie/runto40 or on 01 902 3938. 

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