Three local runners, all former pupils at St Patrick’s Grammar School in Downpatrick, have helped to raise over £30,000 for Action Cancer by completing the New York City Marathon 2016.
School friends Conal Murnin, Daithi Sands and Luke Mulhall were among 18 runners who took part in the world’s biggest marathon on Sunday 6 November in support of Northern Ireland’s leading local cancer charity. Action Cancer is Northern Ireland’s leading local cancer charity and its mission is to save lives and support people. It does this through a range of cancer detection, prevention and support services.
Former Head Boy Conal said: “NYC Marathon is just spectacular! This was my first ever marathon and running through the streets of New York was an absolutely fantastic experience.
“There is a carnival atmosphere with people lining every street along the way. We felt incredibly proud to be running for Team Action Cancer and the sense of achievement when we all crossed the finish line in Central Park was absolutely unbelievable.
“Thank you so much to everyone who supported us and helped us raise such an incredible amount for Action Cancer. We are indebted to you for your generosity, commitment and support”.
Action Cancer’s Arlene Creighton adde: “You don’t need to be a super fit athlete to take part in the New York Marathon; all you need is the determination and the desire to make a difference – and that’s what Conal, Daithi and Luke have shown.
“Our ‘Team Action Cancer’ runners help to raise vital funds for our breast screening services for women aged 40 – 49 and 70 plus here at Action Cancer Cancer House and on board our Big Bus, as well as complementary therapy and counselling support services for people on affected by cancer.
“In Northern Ireland someone receives a cancer diagnosis every hour of every day and one in two of us will receive a cancer diagnosis in our lifetime. While cancer rates are on the increase, early detection and improved treatments mean that survival rates are improving. Our services have never been needed more”.
This year Action Cancer will provide early detection, support and prevention services to over 50,000 people, including breast screening for 11,000 women.
run@actioncancer.org
