A Moy woman has challenged herself to complete her first ever marathon while raising funds for Air Ambulance NI.
Monica Kelly is part of the Moy Park Belfast City Marathon Ambassador Group, the ‘26.2 Crew’, a select group of first time marathon runners, supporting each other through their first marathon and guided by the Belfast City Marathon team.
She will be running at the Moy Park Belfast City Marathon on Sunday, May 5.
The ‘26.2 Crew’ are provided with a comprehensive package, including access to citywide gym membership from Better (Official Gym Sponsor), bespoke marathon training programme from Runna and gait analysis from The Running Bubble Lisburn.
They also get nutrition and hydration advice, as well as samples, training kits and goodies from key sponsors Moy Park, Linwoods Health Foods, Tayto and Deep RiverRock, Cool FM, Belfast Live, NIE Networks and designated charity Air Ambulance NI.
Monica said: “I am delighted to represent Air Ambulance NI as part of the Marathon Ambassadors Group, the ’26.2 crew’! This is my first marathon and I will be completing it with my husband, who is a seasoned marathon runner.
“In September 2023, we both ran the Moy Park Belfast City Half Marathon as part of #TeamAirAmbulanceNI and raised over £1,000 for this amazing service.
“We understand the value of this service as we have neighbours who work as part of the HEMS team and are delighted we can support them in this way.”
She added: “I am thoroughly enjoying being part of the ambassador group, which is offering me support, guidance and giving me confidence on my marathon journey.
“If you’re thinking about doing the marathon or getting some friends together to do the team relay or eight-mile walk, sign up today. You won’t regret it!”
Grace Williams, Area Fundraising Manager for the charity said: “Monica and her husband John are great friends of the charity and we are so grateful to them for their continued support. We were delighted when Monica agreed to be our representative on the Moy Park Belfast City Marathon Ambassador Group.
“We are so pleased that Monica and the rest of the ‘26.2 crew’ will be supporting the charity in the marathon and are gaining so much confidence and experience being part of this team.
“Funds raised will help people in your community for whom the worst has happened, meaning they require pre-hospital critical care at scene. Every day the medical team are needed on average twice per day.”
If you would like to support Monica’s fundraising, visit her fundraising page here.
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