In an extraordinary act of friendship and determination, Hollywood star Colin Farrell completed the Dublin marathon while pushing his longtime friend, Emma Fogarty, in a wheelchair for the final four kilometers. Together, they raised more than $700,000 for charity, shining a spotlight on Fogarty’s battle with the rare skin disorder Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) and the strength of the human spirit.

Farrell, 48, participated in the marathon as part of the “Team Emma” squad, joining over 20,000 runners who pounded the streets of Dublin. But his mission was personal. Each of the last four kilometers, where he pushed Fogarty’s wheelchair, symbolized a decade of her life, a life lived with courage and grace despite the daily pain of living with “butterfly skin.”

Epidermolysis Bullosa is a genetic condition that affects the skin’s ability to properly form, leaving it incredibly fragile and prone to blisters, wounds, and infections. It is a rare disorder, affecting one in 50,000 people, but Fogarty, who is Ireland’s longest-living person with the condition, has faced its challenges with strength that has inspired countless others.

Farrell and Fogarty have been friends for more than 15 years, and their bond was evident throughout the marathon. The “Penguin” star, known for his roles on screen, proved his heroism in real life by dedicating this physical and emotional journey to his friend. As Fogarty turned 40 this year, the marathon became a symbol of celebration and resilience, not just for her but for all who battle EB.

Reflecting on the marathon, Farrell told RTÉ News, “Extraordinary, extraordinary,” expressing his amazement at the support they received. Farrell emphasized that the day was truly about Fogarty, saying, “It all started with how you found a way to live with EB and live not as a victim of EB… Even though you suffer with it, you have a full life that has more pain than should be experienced by any one human being.”

The day of the marathon was filled with emotion, especially as Fogarty shared a heartfelt message with supporters on social media. “I’m so excited and extremely emotional,” she wrote. “The reason I’ve done this is because I’ve hit the big 4-0 this year, and I wanted to mark it in a huge way. But it’s you—the public—that’s made it even bigger and more special than ever.”

Fogarty’s strength, coupled with Farrell’s dedication, moved people across the world, leading to an outpouring of support for their cause. The duo raised over $700,000, with the funds going toward Debra Ireland, an organization that provides care for those with EB and works toward finding a cure. Fogarty and Farrell’s efforts are not only bringing awareness to the condition but also offering hope to those who live with it every day.

While the marathon itself was a physical challenge, Farrell noted that the real inspiration came from Fogarty’s strength. “The support out there was incredible,” Farrell shared, adding that the race only came to be because of Fogarty’s indomitable will to live life fully despite her challenges.