Latest news with #CancerFocus
Belfast Telegraph
19-05-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Running for others' lives in Holywood
Led by Reset Run Club's Lauren Clarke, participants followed a bespoke route in support of the local cancer charity, raising £225. Lauren, a well-known Northern Ireland fitness influencer, said it was 'fantastic' to see such a strong turnout at 10am on a Sunday in May. Consello senior consultant Anna Haslett, who organised the event as part of the company's fundraising efforts for Cancer Focus NI, said: 'I'm delighted with the support and proud to be part of such a fun event for a very meaningful cause.' Earlier this month, another senior consultant, Nicola Wylie from Consello's Belfast team, organised a pub quiz at the Comber Rec Football Club raising £1,100 for the same charity. Both events form part of a wider fundraiser that culminates this Friday with the Big Shops' Challenge. This unique initiative, organised by Business in the Community (BITC), invites Northern Ireland businesses to run a Cancer Focus shop for the day.
Belfast Telegraph
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
Fundraising duo set to complete 1,200 marathons between them in Belfast this weekend
The pair will also be raising funds for two vital charities in the process. Set to run his 800th marathon is Portstewart man, Eugene 'Oggie' Winters, who will be raising funds for Action Mental Health. Meanwhile, Banbridge runner Elaine McAnulty is will mark the city marathon as her 400th venture, as she fundraises for Cancer Focus. Having just ran the London Marathon last week, Eugene's aim was to run 800 marathons in 800 weeks, and he's personally donating £800 for the mental health support charity. The local marathon will also take place on his 68th birthday. Last year at the local marathon, Eugene achieved his 250th sub four hour marathon for the charity. Then, his marathon count stood at 640. At the Donadea 50k Ultra Irish Championship in the 60-plus category, Eugene walked away a champion with a time of four hours 27, winning the race. He also won in the same category at the Westport Marathon where he got a time of 3:47. Eugene has travelled the world to meet his goal for the charity. He has previously ran the Paris, Seville and Istanbul Marathon. In addition, he has also completed numerous marathons in the space of mere months. The Portstewart runner even completed 10 marathons in 10 days in Surrey, England. 'I feel quite blessed and lucky that I am fit enough to always qualify for the bigger major marathons,' said Eugene. 'I take each day at a time and while I train on a daily basis and keep myself at optimum fitness, I'm realistic about my goals and how I may achieve them. 'I started running when I was 55 years of age and did my first marathon on my 55th birthday, which was at the Belfast City Marathon in 2012. 'I had no prior sporting history before this time, not even in my school days. 'I know how important exercise in general is for mental health; it's great for mind, body and soul. Aside of my accomplishments. 'If I can encourage others to make sport a part of their lives, even in a small way, I will have achieved my greatest goal of all. 'We all need encouragement, it's just that important; runners share and help one another, and I'm often asked how I do it. 'To this day other runners and bystanders all give me the inspiration to keep going.' Set to undertake her 400th marathon this Sunday, Elaine has also travelled the world completing a series of marathons, including in the heat of the Bahamas. 'All I am thinking about is getting out there and having fun,' said Elaine. 'The Belfast City Marathon can be just as enjoyable as the New York marathon, it's all about the atmosphere and making your family proud. 'We like to have fun and dress up for Belfast, so if you see any Mickey or Minnie Mouse's on the course, be sure to give us a cheer. 'I have been proud to fundraise for Cancer Focus NI over the past number of years. 'I am always delighted to see everyone at the charity's cheering station, spurring me on as I make my way around the route. 'The achievement of completing my 400th marathon will be made sweeter knowing I have made a difference to local people on their cancer journey. 'I would encourage any runner who was thinking about supporting a charity to give it a go, it's still not too late and it can make crossing that finish line all the more meaningful. 'It's so important to enjoy the experience and not to put too much pressure on yourself about timings and sticking to a specific plan. 'Anything can happen on the day; the most important things is to have fun. 'The atmosphere is electric and the support from the local community across Belfast is unbelievable, it really helps get you across the finish line.' Events Manager at Cancer Focus NI, James Barbour, said: 'Elaine has been a long time supporter of Cancer Focus NI taking part in our toughest events, always with a smile on her face. 'We are in awe of everything she has accomplished, and we can't thank her enough for using this once in a lifetime achievement to raise vital funds for our charity. 'We will be cheering you on from start to finish. 'The stark reality is that one in two people in Northern Ireland will receive a cancer diagnosis. 'Support from local people like Elaine, helps us to continue offering essential support services like counselling and family support to local people in need.'
