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Local fundraiser Pat McGinn is gearing up for an exciting challenge as he prepares to run next month's Belfast Marathon in aid of Southern Area Hospice.
This Saturday 26 April Pat and his team of ‘little helpers’ will be holding a ‘Bucket Collection’ in Camlough to help raise essential funds for the Hospice in support of his 26.2 mile run.
A long-time supporter of local causes, Pat has always been passionate about giving back to the community. This year, he is once again pushing himself by taking on the marathon in support of a cause that holds a special place in his heart.
Talking about this Saturday’s collection, Pat said: “Our team will be in the village collecting on Saturday. People are very generous and supportive. Say a wee hello to us whilst you’re passing”.
The Camlough man explained how he had been a ‘latecomer’ to the world of running, cycling and walking challenges.
“Some years ago I was seriously ill in Craigavon Area Hospital after having surgery to remove a cancerous growth and then taking sepsis.
"It was then that I pledged that if I got well I would do things that I had just thought about but always found the time not to do them.
"Things such as Mizen to Malin Cycles, running 10ks, Half Marathon's and Full Marathon’s."
He continued: "Daisy Hill and Craigavon hospital medical and care staff saved my life. My recovery took some while, the cancer was gone but the fear of it, sepsis or infection returning was huge. I had an awful fear of crowds and infections. However my family and friends were good to me and understood. I had to work it out in my own time"
From finishing his first marathon in London Pat has since completed running competitions such as the New York, Dublin, Belfast and Jersey Marathons, the Great North Run and numerous Half-Marathons, all for Charities such as Cuan Mhuire (Sr Consilio’s) The Southern Are Hospice and Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).
Talking about the motivation for his runs, the 68 year old said: "I carry a lot of friends who I have lost in my life’s journey in my heart over those 26 miles. They and all those people who throw me a few bob in my collections for the Charities, help me get over the line.
"I’m the blessed one with my life, health, family and friends. The running fraternity, the clubs and athletes, are a great bunch of people. There is no elitism amongst them at all, taking time to encourage and advise me. We all might have different motivations for our running challenges but there is a mutual respect and comradery, between all.
"The only person I have to beat in my running challenges is the person I see in the mirror, My mantra is 'One day I will not be able to do this, today is not that day'.
Pat concludes "I am quietly training away, probably not enough but one way or the other I’ll get to the finish line!"
To support Pat in his marathon challenge, donations can be made through his JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com
