Belfast Marathon

Our Fundraising Manager Helen recently supported the #HeadwayHeroes running the Belfast Marathon.

With a record 5,500 taking to the streets of Belfast, the sold-out event was the biggest marathon in the city's history!

Delighted to have the opportunity to cheer on all the runners who took in the Belfast Marathon in their loved ones memory. Lovely dry and sunny day – great for spectators maybe not so much fun for the runners at times!

Among the runners were two groups fundraising in memory of their loved ones who had sustained brain injuries.

Running in memory of Caolan McCormick

Sisters Clare and Oonagh ran their first marathon in memory of their cousin Caolan. 18-year-old Caolan sadly passed away on 26th December last year following a motorcycle accident.

Clare said “Caolan was adored by his family and friends and will be remembered as being caring, funny and full of life. He was a naturally gifted sportsman who loved the outdoors, adventures and challenges.”

The family have pulled together to support one another and raise funds for Headway – the brain injury association in Caolan’s memory – from the marathon, in memory donations, and a sponsored step-out over Lent, with more in the planning!

A special mention to Caolan’s dad Jim, who ran over 20 miles of the marathon alongside Clare and Oonagh helping with their pace.

Together Caolan’s family have raised over £9,000 to improve life after brain injury in his memory.

You can see Clare and Oonagh's fundraising page here.

Running in memory of Jack McKitterick

Ellen and Louis, are no strangers to fundraising as they have been organising events to support Headway – the brain injury association since they sadly lost their friend Jack a year ago following a sudden brain aneurysm.

Their latest fundraiser was a four-strong group of friends Ellen, Louis, Callum and Peter who took on the Belfast Marathon, surpassing their fundraising target, raising £1,040. A fabulous team effort! Delighted to see them run in the Headway tops and cross the finishing line altogether.

Next, they will be hosting the second Kick 4 Jack: Memorial Football Match on the 9th June at Chimney Corner Football Club, Antrim.

You can see the team's fundraising page here.

Fundraising in memory

Fundraising in memory is a wonderful way to remember someone, but as the #HeadwayHeroes above have shown, it can also be a powerful healing tool which brings family and friends together to celebrate a loved one’s life.

If you would like to find out more about fundraising for Headway, please check out the links below.