Sinn Féin councillor to run half marathon in memory of his late sister

A County Derry councillor is set to take on a half marathon for charity to mark his 70th birthday.

Funds raised from Sean McGlinchey’s run will go to Aware NI, a charity which supports those affected by depression, anxiety and bipolar. 

The Sinn Féin councillor and Bellaghy native will be running the half marathon in aid of Aware NI, a charity close to his family’s heart.

Sean, who turns 70 on May 31, decided to take part in the marathon in memory of his late sister Anne Gallagher, who passed away suddenly on August 7, 2013. 

Speaking to the County Derry Post about his caring sister, avid runner Sean said: “Anne was the most kind and caring person you could ever meet. She was a nurse in the early seventies in Belfast. Anyone that knew her got on with her. She was no stranger to volunteering, working with charities and always went to great lengths to help others, when she lived in Dublin she did a lot of work with the homeless. Her life revolved around helping people. Sadly she suffered from depression and ended up taking her own life. So to honour her it is only fitting that her passing will help raise vital funds to provide much-needed support for those living with mental health challenges.”

Sean continued: “I’ve always taken part in marathons for charity and so I've decided to use the occasion of my seventieth birthday to do this challenge. There is still so much depression and people suffering with their mental health out there. Hopefully doing this will continue to raise awareness and support the great work that AWARE does.”

The run will take place on Friday, May 30 beginning at Ballinascreen GAC and finishing at St Canice's GAC Dungiven. The route will pass through Moneyneena and over the Birren Mountain.

Following the marathon there will be a fun day starting at 7pm in St Canice's GAC Dungiven.

If you wish to donate to Sean’s campaign for AWARE NI you can do so here: aware.enthuse.com/cf/in-memory-of-anne-gallagher