Dungiven's Sean McGlinchey raises over £25,000 for Aware NI

County Derry councillor Sean McGlinchey has taken part in a half marathon for charity to mark his 70th birthday.

Around 25 people joined Sean for the challenge on Friday, May 30 beginning at Ballinascreen GAC and finishing at St Canice's GAC Dungiven. The route passed through Moneyneena and over the Birren Mountain.

The challenge has raised over £25,000 so far with donations still open. 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 ran the half marathon on Friday in aid of Aware NI, a charity close to his family’s heart.

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

Following the event Sean said: “Huge thank you to everyone who has donated, who took part, and who helped organise and run the event.

"Your support will go so far and help so many people.”

Speaking to the County Derry Post about his sister Sean said: “Anne was the most beautiful, kind, gentle person you could ever wish to meet.

IN PICTURES: St Canice's GAC host 'Family Fun Evening' for Sean McGlinchey's half marathon

“She was a nurse during the Troubles and continued her nursing career helping others right to the end.

“She founded Seeds of Hope which was about everyone helping each other from both sides of the community and from all walks of life. I got talking to a neighbour Mary O’Kane who is a volunteer for Aware and knew that would be a fitting charity to do a half marathon fundraiser for on my birthday in memory of Anne.

Sean reflected on the day of the marathon saying:

“I'm not going to say it was easy but seeing neighbours, nephews, nieces, in-laws and colleagues there alongside me on the day of the marathon gave me the strength to see the finish line.

“I wore a t-shirt with my sister's photo on it to remind me what that evening was all about. It's alright not to be alright.

“That night after the run my family, friends and nieces, nephews and some of Anne's children and grandchildren knew something good had happened. It is ok not to be ok.

“Aware are a vital source of support in our community and need our help to enable them to be there at times of need.”

“Thank you to St Canices for facilitating our event, anyone who donated food, amusements, traffic management, music, stewards, catering staff, my family, brothers, sisters and everyone else I have forgotten to mention.

“Aware have various support groups across Northern Ireland including Magherafelt.”

Aware Support Groups take place across County Derry fortnightly on Thursdays.
Magherafelt: The Parish Centre King Street 7pm
Limavady: Roe Valley Therapy Centre 7pm
Coleraine: Lodge Hotel Collier Suite 7.30pm

You can still donate to Sean’s campaign for AWARE NI here: aware.enthuse.com/cf/in-memory-of-anne-gallagher
For more information on Aware visit aware-ni.org/