Derry student launches gruelling nine-marathon coastline challenge

Matthew Armstrong, a 21-year-old Queen’s University Belfast student, launched a phenomenal 230-mile endurance challenge from his hometown of Derry on Sunday, August 30 2026. He aims to run the entire Northern Ireland coastline in just eight days to raise vital funds and awareness for local mental health charity AWARE NI.

By starting in Derry, Matthew has put his hometown at the very heart of an incredible journey that requires him to cover 25 to 30 miles every single day before reaching his final destination in Warrenpoint. The challenge is the equivalent of almost nine marathons in just eight days.

Even before reaching the starting line, Matthew's efforts have already struck a chord with supporters, with more than £3,800 already raised - smashing his original £2,000 fundraising target and putting him well on course to reach his new £4,000 goal.

For Matthew, the challenge is about far more than the miles. Having seen friends and family struggle in silence, he hopes his run will encourage more people to speak openly about their mental health.

Matthew said: "I've had friends and family open up to me about what they've been going through, and I had no idea because they'd hidden their problems. That's what so many people do. I want to encourage people to be more open and know it's normal not to be okay. It just has to be dealt with properly."

The idea for the challenge first came to Matthew last year, but it wasn't until he began learning more about the importance of talking openly about mental health that he decided to make it a reality.

"I had the idea to run the coast last year, but it was just a thought at the time. Throughout this year I started to learn more about the importance of being open and talking about the problems we experience. It's so much better to get it out than bottle it up. My mum has been a huge influence because she works as a life coach, helping people every day. The coast run came back to mind, and I decided to make it happen for AWARE NI. I may not get a chance to try something like this again."

When deciding which charity to support, Matthew said AWARE NI was the obvious choice.

"AWARE NI's message was one I could really get behind. Its resources are accessible, and I knew the money raised would be put to great use."

Although he has completed long-distance runs before, nothing compares to what lies ahead.

"I really enjoyed the training, but I have no idea what it's going to feel like. I've done some big runs before, but never anything like this. I don't know how my body or mind will cope, but that's part of the challenge and I'm excited to find out. As much as I'm looking forward to the challenge, I'll probably be happiest when I reach Warrenpoint."

While Matthew hopes to surpass his fundraising target, he says the biggest success would be encouraging more people to start conversations about mental health.

"Any money raised is great. More than anything, I just want people to hear about this and take the message seriously – that it really is okay to talk, and it should be normal to."

Margaret McCrossan, Community and Events Officer at AWARE NI, said: "We're incredibly grateful to Matthew for taking on such an extraordinary challenge in support of AWARE NI. Our 24 peer support groups are a lifeline for thousands of people across Northern Ireland. While some groups receive statutory funding, many are only partially funded or receive no statutory funding at all. That means we rely on the generosity of supporters and fundraisers like Matthew to help keep these vital services running and ensure nobody has to face depression, anxiety or bipolar alone."

AWARE NI is the depression charity for Northern Ireland, delivering free support, education and recovery services for people living with depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Through peer-led support groups, educational programmes and workshops, the charity helps thousands of people across Northern Ireland every year in community, education and workplace settings.

To support Matthew's challenge or donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/page/matthewarmstrong