Adam’s Charity Shop Marathon Challenge

Adam decided to run between the Cancer Focus Northern Ireland charity shops in each of the towns to encourage people to sign up for the 2013 Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon on May Bank Holiday, May 6th.

Cancer Focus (the new name for the Ulster Cancer Foundation) is the official charity for this year’s flagship event. The charity is appealing to the local community to sign up for the marathon, relay, walk or fun run - and go the extra mile to raise funds for local men with cancer and their families.

Health and Safety Officer for Cancer Focus, Adam made a quick stop at each of the charity shops to speak to staff and customers. He said: “If I can do it, anyone can, so whether it’s the marathon run, relay, fun run or walk, please sign up today. It will be a brilliant day out for all the family and an excuse to put on a fancy dress costume if you feel like it.

“All the sponsorship money you raise for us will stay in Northern Ireland and go towards our Men’s Health Campaign.

“Cancer is one of the biggest killers of men in Northern Ireland, yet our research shows that they know less about the disease than women and are less likely to seek advice if they have any warning signs or symptoms.

“Every year, 5,794 local men are diagnosed with cancer – that is 22 men every working day – or two football teams inside 24 hours! These men are our dads, brothers, husbands, sons and friends. Sadly, 2,000 of them die each year.

“Our focus is on raising awareness and lowering men’s risk of cancer. You can help us do that by signing up today.”

Coleraine shop manager Bernie Stewart said: “We are really impressed by Adam’s challenge. He has been popping in and out of our shop for years doing various jobs for us but now he’s swapped his van for his feet.

“The cash you spend in our shop or raise in a marathon event help provide a wide range of vital services across Northern Ireland. These include a helpline, family support for children whose mum or dad has cancer, counselling, stop smoking and Quick Fit projects in workplaces and community settings, schools’ projects, art and creative writing therapies, walking groups, a choir and life-coaching.

“You can help by taking up the challenge, get fitter and raise much needed funds for Cancer Focus.”

Adam was kitted out by Saucony for his marathon run.

Sign up for the marathon online at www.belfastcitymarathon.com. For more information please contact our marathon team on 028 9066 3281 or email [email protected]. You can also follow Cancer Focus on Twitter and Facebook.