We are an eclectic mix of runners; some enthusiastic, some apprehensive, some improving and some just mad. We all have one thing in common and that is that we recently lost a shining light in our lives, Martin Donaghy, to pancreatic cancer. We are trying to come together to celebrate our husband/dad/uncle/brother/friend and also to raise awareness and funds for The Friends of the Cancer Centre. This is not only a small way for us to show our gratitude for all the help we received but also to support the continuation of their brilliant work. The Friends of the Cancer Centre gave amazing support and care to us and to Martin from his diagnosis in December 2015, throughout his treatment until his death in November last year. This ranged from simple luxuries like newspapers in the Bridgewater Suite (Martin loved his crosswords!) to the absolutely indispensable 24 hour helpline that meant we always had access to help and information whenever we needed it.

There are 15 of us running on 1st May, making up three relay teams entered in the Belfast Marathon. Even if some of us struggle a bit along the way, we have strength in numbers and let's face it, numbers are where Big Marty truly excelled!