Inspirational Belfast Marathon Participants Raise £7,813 for Charity

A group of inspirational men and women from across the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area who came together through their own life-changing health experiences have raised an impressive £7,813 for Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Stroke after taking on the Belfast City Marathon relay.

Aged between 63 and 78, the participants completed the 26-mile route in two relay teams, turning their personal journeys of illness, rehabilitation and recovery into an opportunity to give something back to the charity which has supported so many people facing serious health conditions.

The marathon challenge was the culmination of friendships formed through prescribed exercise classes and weekly walks delivered through Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Be Active for Health initiative.

The participants have experienced a range of serious health conditions, including heart attacks, major cardiac events and surgery. Through the Council’s Physical Activity Referral Scheme (PARS) and Cardiac Rehabilitation classes, they have been 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.

For many in the group, their regular Friday walks have been just as important for their mental wellbeing and friendships as they have been for their physical health. What began as a group of strangers brought together by similar health experiences, developed into a close-knit group who now share a determination to stay active and support one another.

The decision to take part in the Belfast City Marathon was driven by a desire to recognise the support they had received during their own recovery journey, while raising vital funds to help others facing similar challenges.

Maurice Meehan, Strategic Lead for Health and Social Wellbeing at the PHA said, “Taking part in the relay marathon represents a significant milestone in the recovery journey of these participants and highlights 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.”

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna said, “The £7,813 raised by this inspirational group is a fantastic achievement and demonstrates the incredible community spirit that brought them together. 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.”

Congratulating the group on its fundraising achievement, the Council Chairperson said participation in the Belfast City Marathon was a tremendous challenge in itself, with the amount of money raised making the achievement even more special.

“We are extremely proud of them and thank everyone who supported their fundraising efforts,” Cllr Hanna added.

The men and women hope 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.

For more information on the PARS and Cardiac Rehabilitation programmes, visit https://www.newrymournedown.org/be-active-for-health, email PARS@nmandd.org or contact your GP or health care professional, who will assess your suitability to join the programmes.