Feargus in running charity challenge

Feargus in running charity challenge

11 November 2020

SAUL student Feargus Bannon has raised £1,225 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Motivated to keep himself fit during the coronavirus lockdown, the 23 year-old has now set himself a new 30 day/300km challenge in November to raise more cash for the charity.

The Stirling University student felt he needed to focus on something positive during lockdown and when he puts his mind to something, his commitment is unshakable.

A keen golfer, Feargus would regularly travel with the Scottish university team but that was all put on hold because of Covid-19.

“I wanted to stay fit and healthy, but I felt that needed some extra motivation,” Feargal explained. “Taking on a running challenge and raising money for charity was a good way to make sure that I would stick to my plans.”

After finishing his university assignments, Feargus took on a ‘sober summer’ challenge for cancer charity Macmillan and his fundraising efforts have now achieved a fantastic £1,225.

“We all know someone who has been affected by cancer and my family is no different,” the Saul man explained.

“I knew that if I was going to challenge myself, I wanted to make it count for a charity and knowing Macmillan, decided to support their work all over Northern Ireland.”

And Feargal revealed that when he started his sober summer challenge he couldn’t run 5k. 

“One day, I just started running and I haven’t stopped since,” he continued. 

“I’m delighted that my summer of fitness has raised so much for Macmillan. I have really enjoyed fundraising and have had so much support from family and university friends to people at my local golf club.

“I know a few people who have also been inspired to cut out alcohol and get fit too. It’s a good feeling to know that I didn’t waste my time during lockdown but, instead, have helped others and also improved myself.”

With the sober summer challenge well behind him, Feargal has now commenced a fresh charity challenge in aid of Macmillan and plans to run 300km in 30 days for Macmillan until the end of this month.

He added: “It will literally keep me on my toes but, once again, the motivation is there to stick to it as I know every metre I run will mean a few more pounds for Macmillan.”

The cancer charity’s area fundraising manager, Tania Bailie, revealed that 98% of Macmillan’s income is from donations and fundraising activities like those Feargus has set himself.

She continued: “At Macmillan, we’re facing huge demand as the cancer system gets moving again and the backlog of delayed diagnoses begins to be dealt with. 

“It’s no exaggeration to say that Macmillan and people with cancer have never needed the public’s help more than we do right now.”

Tania added: “I would like to say a huge thank you to Feargus for everything he has done to date to help people living with cancer across Northern Ireland and wish him the very best of luck as he takes on his latest running challenge this month.”

Anyone who would like to support Feargus’s latest fundraiser can do so by logging on at https://www.gofundme.com/f/fek7r-300km-in-30-days