Colin Farrell took time out of his acting schedule to complete the Dublin Marathon on Sunday while pushing his girlfriend in a wheelchair.
The 48-year-old star ran the last 4km of the 26-mile race to cross the finish line alongside her friend Emma Fogerty, who lives with a rare skin condition.
Farrell, who was home in Ireland for the marathon, aimed to raise funds for DEBRA, an Irish charity supporting people who, like Fogerty, have the incurable genetic disease epidermolysis bullosa (EB) - also known as butterfly skin.
Fogerty is Ireland's oldest survivor of the condition, according to news agency PA Media, which said she was born without skin on her left leg and right arm and can develop very painful blisters from even the slightest touch.
She turned 40 in June — a milestone she thought she might not reach because she was born with the most severe form of the disease — which is why she and Pharrell vowed to perform together, the outlet reported.
The crowds erupted in support as the Oscar-nominated actor, currently starring in the HBO miniseries The Penguin, met his girlfriend late in the marathon.
"I've known Emma for many years and she embodies courage, she's the very embodiment of courage and sheer determination," Farrell said, adding: That run was nothing compared to the pain she's forced to endure every day, even though she doesn't show it. It was an honor to see her waiting for me 4 kilometers to the finish line, each representing a decade of her life, and to run the last stretch together. I will never forget it."
Speaking to PA, Fogerty said: “This has been a dream come true for me and I want to thank Colin, who has been the most supportive, generous and loyal friend I could ask for.
She has always shown her compassion and empathy for people living with EB and is a true champion in my eyes.
"Running a marathon is never easy, but once he made a promise, there was no going back, he's a man of his word," the movie star added.
People living with EB lack the essential proteins that bind the layers of skin together, meaning that even the slightest amount of friction or movement can cause tearing, tearing or blistering.
Fogerty, who is a DEBRA ambassador, has layers of bandages over 80% of her body to prevent wound infection.
She and Farrell originally set out to raise 400,000 euros ($430,000) for the charity, but are now aiming to reach the million-euro mark — and they're more than three-quarters of the way there, the website shows.
Earlier this year, Farrell launched the Colin Farrell Foundation to provide support for families who have children with intellectual disabilities. His grown son, James, was born with Angelman syndrome, a rare neurogenetic disorder. I BGNES
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