Charity Run in Memory of Joe Breen Snr OBE

Charity Run in Memory of Joe Breen Snr OBE

On 24th June 2025, we will take on a 170km run in memory of our Dad, Joe Breen. This run will raise funds for two incredible charities that were deeply connected to him:

1. Community Rescue Service (CRS) – Dad was a Founding member of CRS, a vital rescue service dedicated to high risk missing persons. In his final weeks, he was visited daily by his lifelong friend Sean McCarry OBE, the Founder and Regional Commander of CRS. Dad’s last wish to Sean was simple: “Grow, Grow, Grow.” We want to honour that wish by raising funds to support CRS in its lifesaving work.

2. Friends of the Cancer Centre – The nurses of Belfast City Cancer Centre provided exceptional care and support for both our Dad and our family during his final weeks. They went beyond medical care, making possible a joint legal wedding ceremony in the hospital for both Sarah & Mark and Joe & Louisa on Dad’s birthday, 3rd June 2024.

Their compassion helped us through an unimaginable time, and we want to give back so other families can receive the same support.

The funds will be split evenly between the 2 charities.

The Challenge

• 170km relay run, split into 18 sections between four runners:

• Sarah Wynne (Daughter), Joe Breen Jnr (Son), Mark Wynne & John Wynne

• Support team: Huggy Breen, Louisa Breen, & CRS providing road safety.

• Each runner will cover roughly a marathon (42km), split into 10km increments.

• Starting in the first hour of the 24th June 2025 from Portaferry Slipway, a place close to Dad’s heart as helmsman of Portaferry RNLI.

• Running through the night into the next day, following the coastline all the way to Ballycastle—a place we’ve called home for the last 20 years.

• The route will take us through Bangor, Belfast, Larne, Waterfoot, Cushendall & Cushendun, keeping the sea by our side, just as Dad always did.

• Our goal is to arrive in Ballycastle around 17:00, completing this journey together as a tribute to him.

Join Us for a Leg of the Run!

We would love to have fellow running friends join us for a leg or two of the challenge! If you’d like to run alongside us and be part of this special journey, please reach out to Joe or Sarah—we’d be delighted to have you on board.

Sarah’s Belfast City Marathon for the Cause – 4th May 2025

In addition to the 170km charity run, Sarah will also be running the Belfast City Marathon on 4th May 2025 to raise even more funds for these two incredible charities. Every step she takes will be in memory of Dad and in support of those who continue the lifesaving and compassionate work of CRS and Friends of the Cancer Centre.

Why Are We Doing This?

The 24th of June 2024 marked Dad’s final hours with us. One year later, we want to challenge ourselves physically and mentally in his memory—honouring his strength, resilience, and love for the sea.

This run is about remembering him, supporting two causes close to his heart, and ensuring his legacy lives on.

We would love your support, donations, and encouragement as we take on these challenges in his honour. Every step we take will be for Joe Breen Snr OBE.

Thank you.