A Lurgan man is taking on an epic marathon challenge in 2024 in aid of Air Ambulance NI.
David Harvey is no stranger to marathons but throughout 2024, he will be taking part in a number of marathons, including Moy Park Belfast City Marathon and a Mini Ultra Marathon, to raise vital funds for the charity.
David’s first event will be the Paris Marathon on Sunday, April 7, followed by the Moy Park Belfast City Marathon on Sunday, May 5. Then on Sunday, June 2 David has registered to complete the run from the NI Mini Ultra Marathon.
To finish his epic challenge, on Sunday, October 13, David will take on the Chicago Marathon.
David said: “2024 is going to be a huge year for me! It is an absolute pleasure to take on this massive challenge, for Air Ambulance NI, especially considering this lifesaving service is so needed in our community.
“My friends at Jog Moira have been a great support to me during training so far and everyone has been so supportive with fundraising. My wife and I will be completing the Paris Marathon together in April and then I plan to do the others solo.
“I am particularly looking forward to the Moy Park Belfast City Marathon as it is local and I know the support along the route will really help all of us runners.”
He added: “I recently had the opportunity to visit the air base, to meet some of the amazing team and to see first hand the difference donations can make and I will hopefully raise some money to keep the helicopter flying.”
Grace Williams, Area Fundraising Manager for the charity, commented: “David is a real inspiration and we are so grateful to him for taking on this epic challenge for the Air Ambulance NI. Three marathons and a mini ultra marathon in one year will be an amazing achievement for David and we wish him the best of luck with all of his training.
“As the designated charity partner for Moy Park Belfast City Marathon, we think it’s a great opportunity to encourage people to support David on May 5 and play your part in saving lives, brains and limbs. ‘Others Live When You Give’ and although the marathon and team relay are now sold out, we are keen to remind people that there is an eight-mile walk and of course the half-marathon on September 22.
“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.”
Grace added: “We are encouraging our supporters to register now as the event is set to be a sell out and the biggest marathon the city has hosted in 42 years. So, why not gather a few friends for the walk, or take on that ‘bucket list challenge’ of first-ever half-marathon!
“When you register you will have the option to support Air Ambulance NI. Please tick the box and we will be in touch with your digital fundraising pack and your invitation to the helicopter airbase, so you can personally see the service you are challenging yourself for and supporting!”
If you would like to support David’s epic fundraising challenge you can visit his fundraising page here.
