Running for Men’s Action Network – Belfast Marathon

Well folks, we’re back again.

After last year, where I got to about 2km from the finish line before collapsing and causing a bit more drama than planned, we’ve decided to give it another go. Hopefully this year ends with us actually getting over the line in one piece.

I’ll be running the Belfast Marathon with Luke and Euan, and Darragh and Thomas are taking on a half marathon each as well.

We wanted to use it as a chance to raise money again for Men’s Action Network, a charity that means a lot to us.

Around the time of my dad’s funeral, we raised £24,000 for MAN. The support people showed was unbelievable and something we will always be grateful for. Because of that, we know people have already been very good to us, so this time we are only asking for a small donation if you can. Even a few pound makes a difference.

Men’s Action Network provides a space for men to come in, have a chat, get support, or just not feel on their own. Whether it is mental health support, practical advice, or simply somewhere to go, they offer services that genuinely make a difference to people’s lives locally.

They are rooted in the community and are there for people in all sorts of situations, not just when things are at their worst, but also to help prevent things getting there in the first place.

More than anything, this is about keeping the conversation going.

Life can change quickly, and situations are not always as simple as they seem from the outside. Sometimes things build, sometimes something small can have a bigger impact than anyone realises. It is a reminder that what we say and how we treat people can carry more weight than we think.

If this does anything, we hope it encourages people to be a bit more mindful, to check in with each other, and to not take those small interactions for granted.

It is also about keeping us talking about my daddy.

It is not easy, and it never will be, but he left an unbelievable legacy. A big part of that for us is remembering the good times, talking about him, and not letting his name become something people feel they cannot mention.

Even a quick message or a simple check in can go a long way.

So even if you cannot donate, that is completely fine. If this makes you reach out to someone, have a conversation, or even just share a memory, that matters just as much.

Men’s Action Network is doing brilliant work in the community, but like a lot of charities, they rely heavily on funding and donations to keep going.

If you can donate, no matter how small, we would really appreciate it. And if not, even sharing it helps.

Thanks again for everything, it means a lot to us all.