UPDATE

Hi Everyone,

Firstly, I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who so kindly donated towards my fundraising in memory of Alex. I successfully crossed the finish line at the Belfast Marathon in just over four hours, and it was an incredible experience that I will never forget.

I wanted to give you a quick update on the fundraising total and how the money will be used. The final amount raised was an amazing £6,835. This includes £1,500 donated directly to the charities and £5,335 donated online through JustGiving.

Along with Alex’s parents, I have been in touch with both the Belfast Cancer Centre and Amy’s House to discuss how the funds could best support young patients and their families. We have agreed to purchase some much-needed equipment for both organisations.

For the Belfast Cancer Centre, four TVs with stands will be purchased. The centre currently has a limited number of TVs available for patients on the wards, so this additional equipment will allow young patients to watch TV and play games consoles while receiving treatment.

At Amy’s House, they have recently refurbished their teenage games room and requested a PlayStation for teenagers to use during their stay. We know this equipment will bring some distraction and enjoyment to patients and their families during very difficult times.

The remaining funds will be divided equally between both charities and donated directly to their central fundraising departments.

Thank you again for your kindness, generosity, and support in helping me honour Alex’s memory through this fundraising effort.

Kristin

On 3rd May I will be running the Belfast Marathon in memory of Alex Ruddy, who sadly passed away in September 2025 at just 20 years of age after a brave and courageous battle with osteosarcoma.

During Alex’s illness, both he and his family received incredible care and support from two organisations, the Cancer Centre at Belfast City Hospital and Amy’s House.

Alex’s received outstanding care and treatment from the team at the Cancer Centre at Belfast City Hospital. The compassion, professionalism and dedication shown by the staff supported not only Alex throughout his treatment, but also his family during an incredibly difficult time.

While Alex was undergoing eight months of treatment in Belfast, Young Lives vs Cancer provided vital accommodation for his family at Amy’s House. This allowed them to stay close to Alex and be by his side throughout his treatment.

I am running this marathon in Alex’s memory and to help raise vital funds for these two organisations that supported him and his family when they needed it most. The funds raised will help these incredible services continue to provide care, comfort and support to other families facing similarly difficult circumstances.

Any support, no matter how small, would be greatly appreciated.