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A group of men and women from the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area has raised £7,813 for Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Stroke after completing the Belfast City Marathon relay back in May. The participants, aged between 63 and 78, turned their own experiences of illness, rehabilitation and recovery into a fundraising effort for the charity that had supported them.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna, described the amount raised as a fantastic achievement demonstrating the community spirit of the group. "Each participant has their own personal story of illness and recovery but, together, they have shown how exercise, friendship and the right support can make such a positive difference to people's lives." Cllr Hanna said taking part in the marathon was a tremendous challenge in itself, with the amount raised making the achievement even more special, adding, "We are extremely proud of them and thank everyone who supported their fundraising efforts."
The group completed the 26 mile route in two relay teams. Their health conditions have included heart attacks, major cardiac events and surgery, and through the Council's Physical Activity Referral Scheme (PARS) and Cardiac Rehabilitation classes, they were supported to rebuild their strength, improve their fitness and regain confidence in being active. The programmes are delivered in partnership with the Southern and South Eastern Health Trusts and the Public Health Agency (PHA), with participants receiving an assessment from exercise referral coordinator Paula Early.
The marathon challenge grew out of friendships formed through prescribed exercise classes and weekly walks delivered through the Council's Be Active for Health initiative. For many in the group, the regular Friday walks have been just as important for their mental wellbeing and friendships as for their physical health. What began as a group of strangers with similar health experiences developed into a close-knit group who now share a determination to stay active and support one another. Their decision to take part in the marathon was driven by a wish to recognise the support they had received during their own recovery, while raising funds to help others facing similar challenges.
Maurice Meehan, Strategic Lead for Health and Social Wellbeing at the PHA, said the relay represented a significant milestone in the participants' recovery journey and highlighted the positive impact of the PARS and Cardiac Rehabilitation programmes. "Their achievement demonstrates how structured support, delivered in a safe and encouraging environment, can build confidence, strengthen resilience and foster a long-term commitment to physical activity. This commitment is key to improving overall health, wellbeing, and quality of life. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate everyone involved on this outstanding achievement and the dedication they have shown throughout their journey."
The group hopes their story will encourage others recovering from serious illness or living with chronic conditions to seek support and take the first steps towards becoming more active. PARS and Cardiac Rehabilitation classes form part of the Council's Be Active for Health initiative, which aims to reduce health inequalities and support people living with chronic conditions or recovering from surgery to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.
More information on the PARS and Cardiac Rehabilitation programmes is available at www.newrymournedown.org, by emailing PARS@nmandd.org, or by contacting a GP or healthcare professional, who will assess suitability to join the programmes.
