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Today is day 73 of Newry man Barry Bannon's 100 day challenge where he runs 10km every day around the highways and greenways of Newry.
It's his fifth consecutive year of fundraising for local addiction aftercare charity Davina's Ark, that he credits with helping to save his life and he plans to complete this years challenge with the London Marathon in late April. Last year he raised over £4000 for the charity.
Bannon, 35, began the challenge on 17 January and will complete it on 26 April 2026 the day of the London Marathon. He is raising funds and awareness for the Newry based charity that supports both those in addiction and their families.
Barry is a recovering alcoholic who has spoken openly about his own experience with addiction. He said that alcohol had full control of his life for a number of years, affecting his family, his job and his mental health. "Every waking moment was spent thinking about when I could get my next drink," he said. "The embarrassment and stigma surrounding addiction and mental health had me trapped."
It was his wife who first made contact with Davina's Ark. Barry said that from the outset the charity treated him "as a person and not just an addict." He described the organisation as having helped him tremendously, not only in his own recovery but in helping his family as a whole. "Being an alcoholic didn't only affect me. It had a massive impact on my family and loved ones," he said, adding that Davina's Ark gave his family a better understanding of what happens to the body and brain in active addiction.
As well as the daily 10km runs, Barry has added a number of street collections to this year's fundraiser. He is keen to use the challenge to challenge the stigma he feels still surrounds addiction. "There is a terrible stigma surrounding addiction - an embarrassment almost. No one wants to talk about it. But it shouldn't be this way," he said. "Addiction does not discriminate. It does not care about gender, religion, social status, age. It sneaks into your life and takes hold."
Barry is also clear that Davina's Ark is not solely for those dealing with addiction directly. "Davina's Ark isn't just a charity for those in addiction. It helps the whole family," he said, explaining that he wants to give back to the charity that also helped his wife deal with the effects of his addiction.
He adds a message to anyone who may be struggling: "If my story inspires one person to reach out and ask for help, I am extremely grateful. If you are struggling, just know that you are loved. If you're recovering, I am proud. There is life outside of addiction, and recovery is possible."
Donations to Barry's challenge can be made via his fundraising page at www.gofundme.com
