A DUNDONALD man is running 100 miles to vital raise funds for charity.
Timmy Ramsey decided to take on the challenge to raise funds for Survivors of Suicide after seeing the support they provide to families of those who’ve passed away.
The 33-year-old is running from Dundonald to Newtownards then down the Ards peninsula and back again to Dundonald this Saturday, August 19.
Timmy has lost three friends to suicide – Alex Brown, Brett Savage and Barry McUne – within the past three years and wants to help keep their memory alive by completing this challenge and raising money for charity.
“I had three friends, who took their own lives within the past three years and the charity Survivors of Suicide really helped,” said Timmy.
“I just want to give back to the charity, who helped the families after my friends passed away. The charity really helped the family of Barry MCune who passed away last September, they were the backbone for his partner and they provided counselling for his partner and kids.”
Timmy has run marathons before but has never run longer than 26 miles, however he’s been training for the past five weeks to help build his stamina for the 100 mile challenge.
“I’ve done marathons before but nothing longer than that,” he said.
“I’ve been training for five weeks for it, started running 10 miles, 20 miles, 30, 50 and then back down 40, 30, 20 and 10. I’m starting at Invictus Gym in Dundonald and running 100 miles around the peninsula before running back towards Dundonald.
“I’m starting my run at 12pm and I’m hoping to be finished by 8am the next morning. I’ve 10 mile check points and the charity is coming behind me in a support car. A couple of mates will be running bits of it with me.”
Timmy is being sponsored by Call-A-Cab in Newtownards who are helping promote the challenge and also pledging £500 to Survivors of Suicide.
“We’re going to help raise funds and donate ourselves, getting the word out and trying to help fundraising,” said Janine Mawhinney.
“As well as the sponsorship, we’re going to donate £500. The charity is amazing and provides much needed support to families, unfortunately there’s been a number of deaths by suicide in recent years and we just want to help where we can. “
Timmy has a justGiving page and has, at time of print, has raised £2,100 however he’s hoping to get more funds before closing the page at the end of August. He wishes to thank everyone who has donated so far and for their support.
To donate, go to www.justgiving.com/page/tim-ramsey-100-miles-run.
