A Galway native is running the Dublin City Marathon this Sunday – on the exact date of the 25th anniversary of his life-saving heart transplant.

Ernesto Antonio was given less than 15 hours to live back in 1999, when he was just 36 years old – but he has since embraced his second shot at life, accomplishing more than most could ever dream pushing his physical limits in honour of his heart donor.

He once broke a world-time record for a heart transplant recipient in the 2009 Dublin City Marathon, completing it in 3 hours and 45 minutes.

Five years later he marked his 15th transplant anniversary by taking part in the 2014 Dublin City Marathon.

This time Ernesto is finally acknowledging the passage of time, while still raising funds and awareness of the Irish Kidney Association.

“I’ll be embracing a considerably slower pace in the Marathon – but every step I take will be for my heart donor. I will be proudly wearing my IKA running shirt featuring the message #InMemoryOfMyDonor,” he says.

Despite his athletic successes, Ernesto reflects on his greatest achievement – and it was much closer to home.

“My greatest achievement isn’t measured in medals or miles. It was being there to care for my wife, Kate, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, until she passed away in 2016,” he says.

“Because of my heart donor, I’ve been able to watch my daughter Isabella grow into a wonderful woman, just like her mother. Everything else pales in comparison,” he adds.

Caption: Ernesto Antonio taking part in the 2014 Dublin City Marathon – then celebrating 15 years since receiving his life saving heart transplant.

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