Waterford Mayor honours ultramarathon runner who raised €27k for Hospice and Solas
Mayor of Waterford City & County Cllr. Liam Brazil held a reception for Anthony Keyes, in recognition of his outstanding achievement and dedication in completing marathons and ultramarathons to raise funds for Solas Cancer Support Centre and Waterford Hospice. Anthony also presented a cheque for €17,086.29 to Waterford Hospice. Photo: Joe Evans
Waterford fundraiser Anthony Keyes has been honoured at a mayoral Reception after raising more than €27,000 for two local charities through a series of gruelling running challenges.
The reception, held on Thursday, recognised Anthony's fundraising efforts for Waterford Hospice and Solas Cancer Support Centre, as well as the personal motivation behind his challenges.
This year, Anthony completed seven ultramarathons in seven days in aid of Waterford Hospice, covering a total of 305 kilometres.
The challenge raised just over €17,000 for the hospice, following on from another major fundraising effort last year.
In 2025, Anthony completed seven marathons in seven days for Solas Cancer Support Centre, raising more than €10,000 for the organisation.
Together, the two challenges have generated more than €27,000 for the two Waterford charities.
Anthony’s contribution to the local community and the personal reasons behind his fundraising were highlighted at the reception. Having lost friends and loved ones, including Johnny McGrath and Shane McCarthy, Anthony had experienced first-hand the difference organisations such as Waterford Hospice can make to people and their families during difficult periods.
Mayor of Waterford Cllr Liam Brazil said Anthony had taken something he loved and transformed it into a way of remembering those he had lost, while helping families and supporting organisations that meant a great deal to him and the wider community.
The Mayor described the seven ultramarathons in seven days as an “extraordinary physical and mental challenge”, with each kilometre helping to raise both money and awareness for Waterford Hospice.
However, the reception also heard that the impact of Anthony’s efforts went beyond the amount of money raised.
“What really stands out is the generosity and kindness that you have inspired along the way,” the Mayor said.
“You gave people something to get behind. And you reminded us that one person can make a difference.”
Anthony was thanked on behalf of the people of Waterford for remembering those who had died, supporting those currently in need of care and demonstrating his commitment to the local community.
“Anthony, it is a privilege to recognise you here today. Well done and thank you,” the Mayor added.
