6 days ago
‘This isn't a political gesture — it's a human one': Co Down men to undertake 48-hour silent run to fundraise for women of Palestine
Two friends from Co Down are aiming to undertake an extreme endurance challenge next month to raise funds for an organisation offering support for women and families currently living in Palestine.
Israel's war on Gaza has killed at least 54,381 Palestinians and wounded 124,054 to date, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.
The Government Media Office updated its death toll to more than 61,700, saying thousands of people missing under the rubble are presumed dead.
An estimated 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023, and more than 200 were taken captive.
As of the 2nd March this year, there has been a complete block on all supplies entering Gaza, increasing the risk of famine.
Cahir Clancy and Gerard McAnulty have now decided to pound the pavement for two days in their hometown of Newcastle as an act of solidarity and to raise as much money as they can for the people of Palestine affected by the war.
The two men are going to remain completely silent and will fast for the duration of the run, which will total 100 miles once completed – the equivalent to four times the length of the Gaza strip.
They will also sleep outdoors with no shelter during the 48-hour challenge to mimic the conditions the Palestinian people are currently enduring.
Cahir told Belfast Telegraph that the purpose of the challenge is to highlight, in a small symbolic way, 'the physical and emotional hardship experienced by civilians in Gaza — particularly women and children'.
'By placing ourselves under controlled discomfort, we hope to raise awareness of the daily reality faced by those living in conflict-affected areas with limited access to food, safety, and shelter,' he said.
'We are raising funds for the Union of Palestinian Women's Committees (UPWC), a grassroots organisation that provides essential support to women and families in Gaza.
'Their work includes access to emergency aid, psychosocial support, education, and protection for those affected by ongoing crisis.
'Every donation raised will go directly to UPWC.'
The Co Down man added that he always believed that 'physical endurance can be a vehicle for something more meaningful.'
'This challenge isn't about performance — it's about using discomfort as a way to connect with people we'll never meet, but whose lives matter,' he said.
'I'm a parent myself, and I can't ignore the suffering of children and families. This is just a small way to show solidarity and hopefully contribute to practical support.'
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Gerard said that it 'isn't a political gesture — it's a human one.'
'You don't need to take a side to understand that people are suffering, and that families are living in unimaginable conditions,' he told this newspaper.
'We wanted to do something physical, visible, and direct.
'By taking on this challenge, we hope to draw attention to the situation in a respectful and focused way — and ensure funds go to an organisation making a real difference on the ground.
'We're grateful for any support — whether that's spreading the word, donating, or simply learning more about the work of UPWC.'
The fundraiser will take place on the Newcastle Promenade from 1 August until 3 August.
