A young woman from south Armagh is preparing to take on the Belfast City Marathon in memory of one of her closest friends, Oran Marron, who died suddenly while living in Australia last year.
Hannah Lennon, from Cullyhanna, will line up for the 26.2-mile challenge on Sunday, May 3, 2026, dedicating every step to Oran, who passed away on September 21, 2025, aged just 21.
It will be Hannah’s first-ever marathon, and she is using the challenge to raise funds for the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, the charity that supported Oran’s family in bringing him home following his death.
Speaking about her motivation, Hannah described Oran as someone who left a lasting mark on everyone he met.
“Oran was one of those rare people who had a way of brightening a room the moment he entered it,” she told Armagh I.
“No matter what kind of day you were having, somehow he made it lighter. He had a gift for making people laugh, especially when they needed it most, and he never tried too hard – it was just who he was. A true character in every sense of the word.”
Oran, from Crossmaglen, had moved to Australia in March 2025 shortly after celebrating his 21st birthday. He died following a short illness, news that sent shockwaves through his family, friends and the wider community.
At his funeral in St Patrick’s Chapel, mourners heard how Oran lived life to the full in the short time he had.
When Oran travelled to Australia, Father Maloney said he did so with a simple motto: “I am there, not to make money, but to make friends” – something reflected in the many friendships he formed in just six months.
Hannah said those friendships, and the many special people Oran surrounded himself with, spoke volumes about the kind of person he was.
“He showed up for others with kindness, humour and a big heart, and that’s something I will always admire and carry with me,” she said.
“This run is my way of honouring who he was and the joy he brought into the world – and for his special family, a small gesture of respect, remembrance and support during this unimaginable time.”
Funds raised through Hannah’s marathon effort will go directly to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, which she described as “invaluable” to families facing the tragedy of losing loved ones abroad.
“The Kevin Bell Trust brought Oran home with dignity, care and compassion,” she said.
“It’s something no family should ever have to think about – but sadly, so many do. The work this charity does in people’s darkest days is truly incredible.”
Hannah added that Oran will be firmly at the forefront of her mind on race day – along with her own mother – and joked that her friend would be getting the last laugh.
“Oran always said, ‘Fein, I couldn’t run the length of myself,’” she said. “He’d be having some laugh up there knowing I’m running 26.2 miles for him.
“This marathon is for Oran, for his family, and for everyone who loved him. Every mile is for the memories, the laughs and the moments he shared so freely.”
Hannah has encouraged anyone who can to support the fundraiser – or even share it – saying it would mean “the world” to Oran’s family and his many friends.
“Thank you for remembering Oran,” she said, “and for helping this incredible charity continue what they do best – with kindness, respect and love.”
You can support Hannah’s fundraiser here.
