I am taking part in the New York Marathon on 1 Nov 2009 as a fundraising event for Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children (NICFC) 

Why NICFC?

I became involved with this charity nine years ago after the diagnosis and subsequent death of my precious little Cathy from a brain tumour. Cathy was simply amazing. 

She was one of a set of triplets who was beautiful, funny and intelligent. Cathy may have been part of a set of three but was never to settle for 1/3 of the attention.  She was a larger than life character with a wicked sense of humour along with an innocence and uncanny wisdom for her years.

My friend Laura who is also running the NY marathon  always said that Cathy would light up a room when she entered with her beaming smile. She faced death as she did life with immense bravery and courage. 

Mostly I have her to thank for how I have coped to date. I haven’t been excluded from the pain of the loss but she has inspired me by her attitude and courage so that I could face life without her.

Why a marathon why NY ?

I first started running during Cathy’s illness.

Initially I would walk around the block(1 mile) to recharge the batteries.  No sooner had I left the house when I became anxious about Cathy and ended up breaking into a run to get home quicker.  

After Cathy’s death I found walking very therapeutic and so continued.  I thought a marathon would be a real challenge and as Cathy had such a big personality what better place to do it than NY, they don’t come much bigger. The date of this Marathon also coincides very closely with what would have been her 16^th birthday and of course Clare and James, her triplet set.  It  is also coming up to the 10^th anniversary of her death and I am now trying to celebrate her life and the 6 ½ years we had her.

Oh yes, it also coincides with a significant birthday of mine but I won’t go into that!  There are many reasons for me taking part in this but mainly it is to honour her memory.

It is not only Cathy’s inspiration that has helped me get to this stage but also my family and friends and of course NICFC.

They have been with me from outset in various forms  providing a safe haven in Shimna Valley where we escaped to with Cathy during her illness and afterwards as a tranquil spot to come to terms with our loss. Even 9 years on they have left the door open to us as a family  knowing that the wound of losing a child never fully heals. All my remaining children Liam, Clare, James and Aimee have been involved in the numerous youth programmes led by very committed and special people, who have not only given my children acres of fun but helped them come to terms with their loss.  This is why I have chosen NICFC. I feel its time to give something back and I would really appreciate if you would help me by contributing to this worthwhile Charity.

Hi everyone

Just to let everyone know, between online and offline donations we have now raised £11,425! and not all the sponsorship forms have been returned yet. I want to thank everyone so much for their contributions, help and support. I am still quite shocked and amazed at all the interest and good will messages I have received.

What about the marathon?

I completed in 4.37 hours, feeling extremely pleased with myself, Laura following closely behind.  As I ran through the five boroughs of New York amidst live bands and a carnival atmosphere, 18 miles were chalked up before I even felt a twinge. The support from spectators along the way was incredible and really helped.  The last eight miles were tough, especially between 20-24 miles, but I just thought of my little Cathy and somehow kept on going.  Crossing that final line was simply, something else, highly emotional.  The entire venture, in fact, has been a really positive experience for me.  Its has got Cathy's name circulating again, which after nearly ten years is not always easy.  I appreciate all the advice, tips, donations, well wishes received from family, friends, friends of friends and also from those who I have never met before. It meant so much, thank you. 

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