Killinchy marathon couple raise huge amount in Big Apple run

Killinchy marathon couple raise huge amount in Big Apple run

24 January 2018

A KILLINCHY couple, who took part in last November’s New York Marathon, have raised an amazing £27,658 for two leading charities.

Rob and Claudine Heron took to the streets of New York with over 51,000 other runners to raise money for Cancer Focus Northern Ireland and Helping Hand, the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children’s charity.

Claudine, who is a director of W&R Barnett Ltd and Rob, a tax partner at EY, decided to raise money for two causes close to their hearts and would like to thank everyone who gave so generously in support of their New York challenge.

Writing on their JustGiving Page in advance of the New York fundraiser, the couple explained they were supporting both charities in recognition of the “amazing work” both organisations deliver.

They explained that their son, Matthew, was admitted to the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children twice in 2016 for urgent surgery and three months later for 10 days with what was ultimately diagnosed as concussion.

The couple revealed that in the same period they were touched by cancer in their wider family, though thankfully without terminal effect, and decided to challenge themselves to train together and run the New York marathon.

The couple said both experiences brought into sharp focus how healthy they were and the care and support that those not so fortunate need and is unselfishly provided by organisations such as the Royal and Cancer Focus.

Jillian Wallace, a challenge events officer for Cancer Focus NI, said the organisation could thank Rob and Claudine enough for the incredible total that they raised during the marathon. 

She added: “The money will go a long way in helping both charities continue the great work that they do.”