A Bandon man who underwent a 72-hour fast raising over €13,000 for Gaza Go Bragh said he would do it again despite the inclement weather he endured over three nights.
Michael Brennan fasted at Bridge Place in the town from 4pm last Thursday to 4pm on Sunday with the aim of raising €10,000 for the charity but has easily surpassed that figure so far.
‘I decided to do the fast, because like so many ordinary people, I just can’t turn a blind eye any more. When I see emaciated children, being manhandled as if they don’t matter I had to do something. I did it with the aim of understanding what they are going through,’ he told The Southern Star.
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He quipped that he couldn’t have picked a worse time to undertake the fast due to the stormy weather over the weekend but his gazebo was well secured to avoid it being blown away.
‘I didn’t sleep at all the first night but got a few hours on each of the other night and my diet was just water and black tea. I felt great once I finished the fast, there is almost an adrenalin after 72 hours without food.’
Local musicians joined him for a session on Saturday including The Blackbirds; Aine O’Gorman; Mandy Bodenstien; The Smoking Kippers; Crooked Jack; the Corner House Crew; The Waterfall Two, and Martin Leahy.
When he finished the fast on Sunday afternoon, he had a bowl of soup and two slices of bread.
‘While some thought I was mad to do it I’m a driven man and when I decide to do something I will do it. The bad weather didn’t deter me. It’s fantastic that I have gone beyond my target too and I would do it again.’
It’s not the first time that Michael, who retired last year, has raised money for the charity as he raised €700 from his apple harvest. Michael is also part of a weekly Gaza vigil which has met in the town every Sunday, for the past two years.
‘A 72 hours fast isn’t much compared to what Gaza civilians are suffering, even during a supposed ceasefire. This is my way of showing solidarity.’
He has so far raised €13,193.70 through online donations and from people giving donations to buckets during his fast.
For more details see Donate: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/michaelbrennan1
