Derry man running a unique 4km challenge to raise money Parkinson’s UK

A Derry man is completing a gruelling running challenge to raise money for the Derry branch of Parkinson’s UK. 

Matthew McClelland is running 4 km every four hours for four days, with his final run on Saturday afternoon at 2pm. 

Following his father's disease diagnosis in November 2023, the 26-year-old embarked on this task.

Mr. McClelland said: “The Parkinson’s centre in Derry in St. Columbs Park has been a great help for him and the family. 

“It has helped us come to terms with the diagnosis and made him feel like it is not the end of the world and that he can still have a very fulfilling life.

"Firstly, I wanted to raise money for Parkinson's in general, and then when I got in contact with Parkinson's, they said they were able to funnel all the money directly to the centre in St. Columbs Park, so all the money raised is going directly to the centre that is helping my dad and so many other people.”

Usually, when someone tackles a demanding challenge like this, they have had some experience. 

But Mr. McClelland had only a limited amount of prior running experience, having gotten into it like many during Covid but he didn’t sustain it. 

And as his body gets stiffer and more fatigued after every run the support he has received has pushed him through. 

He said: “It has been a massive help; like, I’ve had a good few mates come out and do a few runs with me, other mates on holidays over in Manchester and London who have done virtual runs at the same time as mine.

“My girlfriend has been incredible. She has supported me through every run and has had to listen to my complaints, so bless her.

“Even someone just dropping me a message to let me know people are supporting you when you are sore makes it that bit easier to power through.”

Support for the 26-year-old has been evident in the money he has raised, and he is incredibly grateful for it. 

He said: “I’ve raised £3,850 so far. It is quite funny, actually. When I first put the link up in June, I had an initial target of £500, and I think I hit £1000 within an hour and a half. My phone just wouldn’t stop. So it is a ridiculous amount of money that has been raised, and it helps make these runs a little bit easier.

“My family would like to thank everyone for helping a cause that is so close to our hearts. It is amazing to see how kind people are.”

As pleased as he is about the fundraising that has been done for Parkinson's, he cannot wait for it to be over with a crisp, refreshing pint to celebrate. 

He joked: “I’m never coming to this Sainsbury’s again; I hate this car park. I’m probably never going to walk the quay again; I’m just done with it all.

“I am pretty wrecked.

“I’ll just be relieved once it is over. The last run we are running from my house to the Glen bar, or local, a good few people are going to come and meet for a pint to celebrate. 

“I’m sure after one sip I’ll be on my back.”

You can donate to his cause through this link, and Mr. McClelland has expressed his gratitude in advance to anyone who does donate or celebrates the completion of his final run at 2pm at Glen Bar on Saturday.