This article is from page 26 of the 2008-01-22 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 26 JPG
JERRY Kitt will retire from partici- pating in the West Clare Mini Mara- thon this Sunday.
The determined Kilkee man has decided that the 10th anniversary of the marathon will be his swansong, although he has vowed to remain part of the organising committee.
This Sunday will be Jerry’s seventh mini marathon, which 1s no mean feat for a man who has suffered se- vere injuries in a car accident, a tu- mour and a stroke.
In 1982 he was injured in a car acci- dent in Darragh, followed by an op- eration for a brain tumour in 1985.
Just six months later he suffered a stroke.
Standing in his kitchen Jerry ex- plained how he learnt to live with the side affects of his illness and the af- termath of an operation that saw part of his skull removed.
He demonstrates how he some times looses his balance if walking alone but by merely having a lead, or someone or something to hold onto, he has the confidence and ability to keep walking securely. This is why his best friend and dog Radar was so helpful for so many years.
The loyal Alsatian escorted Jerry on his first four west Clare mini marathons. It was just before the
fifth marathon than the unfortunate canine broke his leg and Jerry had to look elsewhere for support.
Michael Gallagher from Doonbeg came to the rescue and walked with Jerry that year and the following year.
This year, for his swansong Jerry has encountered the assistance of friend and neighbour Tommy Mc- Grath. The inventive duo have taken Jerry’s wheelchair and attached pip- ing, using two plumbing fittings, to the back.
The detachable new “handle’ is high enough for Jerry to push the chair and will give him the confidence to walk the 10 km and finish the race. The
mini marathon expert expects to fin- ish in his usual time of three hours, accompanied by his son Michael and erandson David Kelly.
“IT am definitely going to pack it in this year,’ he told