BELFAST RUNNERS TRAIN FOR MARATHON CHALLENGE

Three Belfast based runners are taking on the challenge of a lifetime this summer, and its all to raise funds for the Children’s Cancer Unit Charity to help children like Erin and Zak, both pictured.

The haemotology unit in the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children is the Regional Centre for treating children with cancer and the only place in NI where children can receive their treatment.

The three runners, Noel McNally, Niall Farquharson and Paul Tyrell all belong to the Beechmount Harriers running club and they are in training to run 32 marathons on consecutive days, covering every county on the island of Ireland. The adventure will begin on the 2nd August and all being well finish at the Mary Peters Track in Belfast on the 2nd September.

Noel McNally explained why the trio are taking on the unique challenge.

“I know it sounds a bit crazy and there are a lot of logistical things to get organised, and that’s all before we pull on the runners and start the first marathon in few months time. But we know we can call on the running community throughout Ireland and we will be relying on local volunteers to marshal our routes, time the runs and most importantly to join us for a day, even it is for a few miles, a half marathon or the full 26.2 miles.

“Myself, Niall and Paul are committed to raising as much money as we can to support the work of the Children’s Cancer Unit Charity. We all know someone who has been affected by cancer and we know the amazing work undertaken by the staff at the unit. If we can help the Unit to help the families who need that help, then all the better.

“We wanted to find a challenge which is different, catches the imagination and allows for hundreds of people to take part along the way. This is what we have come up with and we hope people will support us. I am sure they will.”

Jacqueline Wilkinson from the Children’s Cancer Unit Charity was on hand to wish the trio well on behalf of the charity.

“We get fantastic support every year from fundraisers who really do take on some amazing challenges. This is one of the hardest I have heard of and I admire the lads for taking on this massive task.

“The Regional Unit currently caters for around 200 young patients each year, while up to 70 new cases of childhood cancer are diagnosed in Northern Ireland annually. We support the work of the Unit and the families of children who are receiving treatment.”

The CCU32 challenge begins on the 2nd of August in Derry and makes it way across the island of Ireland over 32 days. Local runners in each county are encouraged to join in. Details of the event and how to support the initiative can be found at www.http://ccu32.com/ and donations can be made via https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ccu32

Pictured:

Runners Noel McNally, Niall Farquharson and Paul Tyrell and Jacqueline Wilkinson from the Children’s Cancer Unit Charity are joined by Erin and Zach who are both receiving treatment at the centre and Erin’s older sister Elena.