I'm running 5K-a-day through May in memory of my Dad (Big Arthur) as he passed away in February from a Stroke. 

Dad was 73, full of the joys of life, in good health, and was still working. He left behind a loving wife (wee Nora), sons Paul (and myself), daughters Geraldine and Catherine. As well as 9 grandchildren, and his own extended family, he had many good friends and neighbours. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him, he really was one of a kind, a constant gentleman.

Having experienced the toughest week of my life (along with my family) caring for Dad for the week he stayed with us after suffering his Stroke, I got a glimpse into the life of caring for someone living with this illness. I had no previous experience or knowledge of what a stroke entailed and what it can do to a person and their family, so to anyone out there having or currently going through caring for a family or friend touched by this condition, I am in some small way trying to help by committing myself to run 5k every day in May in memory of Dad. All proceeds will be going to the fantastic work that the NI Chest, Heart and Stroke charity do.

I plan to run whenever/wherever I get the chance within each day - being a dad myself to 3 young children (Erin 6, Finn 5 and Donnacha 1) and working in both Belfast and Armagh, I'll be kept busy! But I'll make sure to get out and about every day and will post some pics etc to keep you all updated - I'm no athlete so these pics won't be pretty! Big shout out to my long suffering and amazing wife Colleen who will hopefully keep me supplied in oranges, not to mention the mountain of washing coming her way (wha?).

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.