A COMBER man has challenged himself to run a tough 28k mountain trail to raise cash for charities, including Cancer Focus Northern Ireland.
Daniel Heaney is getting fitter by the day and is raring to hit the Wicklow Trail Run in September.
Daniel works for Troup Bywaters and Anders, which is pledging to raise £10,000 for local charities to mark their 10th year in Belfast.
Cancer Focus NI also celebrates a big birthday – the charity has been helping local cancer patients and their families in Northern Ireland for the past 50 years.
For Daniel, running is a way to be a part of the challenge and do his bit to help his company reach their target.
“In the last year I have completed 60 runs, running just over 600 kilometres. However, I wanted to challenge myself and this will be a great stepping stone into longer distance running for me,” he said.
“The trail is 28k, with over 1,100 metres of climbing, presenting a completely different challenge for me — but I’m really enjoying getting out training and seeing the natural beauty of the world.
“I really wanted to support the Troup Bywaters and Anders challenge and Cancer Focus NI does such great work in the community.”
Louise Richardson, Corporate Fundraising Officer for Cancer Focus NI, said: “We are so grateful that Daniel has signed up to the Wicklow Trail Run to raise money for Cancer Focus NI.
“It’s not an easy challenge with the long distances and steep inclines but it is a great way to raise money for such a worthwhile cause.”
Cancer now affects one in two people and over 13,000 cancer diagnoses are made in Northern Ireland every year.
Louise added: “All Cancer Focus NI services are provided free of charge for cancer patients and their families but we do need public support to help raise the necessary funds to continue our valuable work.
“So, we would like to say a huge thank you to Daniel and his supporters. The money they raise will make a real difference.”
If you have any concerns about cancer call Cancer Focus NI’s free NurseLine on 0800 783 3336.To find out more about Cancer Focus NI events, please call Kathryn Holland on 028 9068 0771, email kathrynholland@cancerfocusni.org or visit www.cancerfocusni.org.