On 17th July 2018, Ivan Baxter (Chairperson of Age Sector Platform) took part in a 10 mile race as part of the Portaferry Gala Festival to raise funds for the Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament.  

Donations to this page will continue to be accepted up until 31st August 2018; thanks to all those who have already supported the fundraiser!

Leading up to the run, Ivan commented: “This race will be a serious challenge for me at 78 years old. I have always been a jogger but was never involved in organised runs until about seven years ago when I joined the NI Civil Service Athletic Club. Since then I have entered quite a few 10k runs, as well as joining in the Saturday morning Parkrun, usually at Victoria Park, as often as I can.”

The Portaferry Gala Festival takes place this year between 14 and 21 July and the festival’s 10 mile race usually attracts around 300 participants.

“My normal run is 10k, which is about 6 miles; so this run at the Portaferry Gala Festival will be a big challenge for me. Between now and July I hope to gradually increase the distances of my training runs, and will continue to compete in various organised 10k runs from time to time. I’m sure any money raised between now and July will be sure to keep me motivated!”