A Newtownards man is gearing up for the run of his life as he prepares to raise up £1,000 for charity.
Ian Calderwood will be pounding the streets of Dublin on the 31st October as he aims to complete the Dublin Marathon and generate vital funds for the Haematology Research Centre at Belfast City Hospital.
The 42-year-old has never run a full marathon before, but has been training since January to ensure he’s fighting fit for the event.
The general sales manager at Isaac Agnew Volkswagen on Boucher Road in Belfast is raising the funds after his father-in-law was treated at the hospital unit and a work colleague is currently being treated there.
He said: “The training has been tough but not as tough as the people who have undergone and are still having treatment at the haematology department.
“I’m hoping to raise about £1,000 and will run the marathon knowing the money will be going to a very good cause. The current total is £882.
“I’ve had lots of support from friends, family and work colleagues at Isaac Agnew Volkswagen; some of who will travel to Dublin to cheer me on.”
Brian Robinson, managing director at Isaac Agnew Volkswagen, has been one of those encouraging Ian during his training and is proud to have staff prepared to raise money for good causes.
He said: “Ian has devoted many months of his time to training properly for the marathon and we wish him every success in the event and raising the money for the Haematology Research Centre at Belfast City Hospital.”
Anyone wishing to sponsor Ian’s marathon can simply go to into Isaac Agnew Volkswagen on Boucher Road and ask for Ian.