Fin Farrelly and friends take on the Dublin to Galway coast to coast for SmellTaste

We’re thrilled to share our very first fundraising challenge under our new name, SmellTaste. SmellTaste member Fin Farrelly is running coast-to-coast from Dublin to Galway to raise awareness of smell and taste disorders following his own experience of smell loss after a head injury. This inspiring challenge not only marks a huge personal milestone for Fin but also represents a proud moment for us as a charity. You can read more about Fin’s story and how he’s helping to put SmellTaste on the map below.

You can support Fin and make a donation here: The Rocky Road to Galway – JustGiving

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Our first member to fundraise under our new name – Fin Farrelly takes on Dublin to Galway for SmellTaste

In April 2024, Fifth– Sense member, Fin suffered a serious head injury during a football match, fracturing his skull. While he recovered well in many ways, one lasting consequence has been the loss of his sense of smell. Once physically on the mend, most parts of life returned to normal for him, except for the way he experienced food, flavour, and his environment.

The absence of smell has meant a change in appetite and routine; taste is no longer what it used to be, and colour and texture have become more important in how he chooses and enjoys food. Former favourites, like steak, no longer hold the same appeal. In fact, he jokes that his condition has practically turned him vegetarian, to the mild frustration of his wife, Emma. Beyond food, Fin, says he misses familiar, comforting smells, freshly cut grass, sea breeze and nostalgic scents from childhood.

Turning a personal challenge into an adventure

The idea to run from Dublin to Galway started as a light-hearted suggestion from two friends who had long been tempted by the challenge. When the anniversary of his injury came around, Fin decided it was the perfect time to join them, turning a “daft idea” into something meaningful. Fin is no stranger to endurance events, having completed a few marathons, but this five-day, 250km run across Ireland is on a whole new level. “I’ve never done anything this stupid,” he laughs. But the cause is one he cares deeply about.

Running for SmellTaste

The team is raising funds for SmellTaste and Fin was drawn to our mission after experiencing first-hand the lack of recognition and support for smell loss, especially within the NHS. “Post-Covid, so many people have been affected by smell disorders, and they’re also common after head injuries. But there’s still no real structure in place to deal with them,” he says. “SmellTaste is doing brilliant work to change that. They rely on fundraisers like us to keep going.”

Through this run, he hopes to raise awareness of the wider impact of smell and taste loss, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too. If the challenge helps spark more understanding and support for those living with these hidden conditions, it will have been more than worth the effort.

Training and teamwork

Training for a run like this has been a solitary affair for the three teammates, who live in different parts of the UK. Fin has logged over 600km since January, 250km in March alone and is aiming for over 400km in May. “It’s all about time on my feet,” he says. “The mental challenge will come when things get painful, but I’ll deal with that when it happens.”

The group has intentionally trained apart “We figured if we spent too much time together beforehand, we might get on each other’s nerves,” he jokes. “This way, we’ll still find each other entertaining when it counts.”

Incredible support and generosity

The public response has already exceeded expectations. The team’s JustGiving page, aptly named The Rocky Road to Galway, has raised nearly £3000 so far. “People have been incredibly generous,” he says. “It’s been amazing to see how many people want to support this cause.”

What lies ahead

There are parts of the route that hold personal meaning. Stage 1 passes through areas connected to Fin’s family, and he’s especially looking forward to that section. But both coasts starting in Dublin and finishing in Galway promise to be special moments. The toughest stretch is likely to be Day 3: 65km of running, with the finish line still two days away. “That’s going to be the mental test,” he says. “Getting out there again knowing we’re not even close to done.” As for the finish at Galway Bay, he expects it to be emotional. “It’s going to be one hell of an adventure,” he says. “We’ll have a lot of laughs, but it’s going to be seriously tough.”

A message for others living with smell loss

Fin is keen to emphasise that every experience of smell or taste loss is different. “I’m not one for giving advice, this affects everyone in their own way,” he says. “But if I had to offer one thought: don’t let it beat you.”

We are incredibly proud and grateful to Fin, Dean and Kevin for their incredible challenge for SmellTaste and we wish them hugest of luck and that they enjoy the adventure. You can support Fin and make a donation here: The Rocky Road to Galway – JustGiving

If you would like to raise funds for SmellTaste in your own way and support 50 Ways to Raise £50k, please contact sally.connick@smelltaste.org.uk