Derry student's ‘Half Iron Man’ raises £700 for Foyle Hospice

Oakgrove Integrated College Year 14 student Ryan Wilson received a guard of honour and a hero’s welcome recently on completion of a Half Iron Man which saw him complete the 7.5 hours gruelling challenge, raising over £700 for the Foyle Hospice.

The monies were raised from fellow pupils and staff at the College over the past few weeks and the A Level student said he had high hopes it could be raised to £1,000 before it is handed over next week.

Fellow pupils and staff met Ryan at the gates of the school as he finished the gruelling challenge and on crossing the finishing line he said it was worth it as it raised money for a very worthy cause – the local Foyle Hospice.

Julie-Anne Canning, head of Year 8 at the school, said all at the school were very proud of young Ryan and the monies raised would be welcomed by the Hospice.

“A big well done to Ryan,” she said.

“We at the school are delighted for what he has achieved and it was shown today by the support he has received.”

This is not the first time the young student has raised money.

Oakgrove PE teachers Deirdre Fullerton and Catherine Fletcher put Ryan through his paces before his Half Iron Man Challenge to raise funds for the Foyle Hospice.

During lockdown in March last year, Ryan ran 104 miles within the space of two months to raise funds for Pieta House.

“After completing the Pieta challenge, this year I decided I would challenge myself more by completing a ‘half iron man,” he said.

“On hearing all the great work that goes on at the Foyle Hospice, which we can see from the upper classrooms of the school as it’s only across the Foyle, I started training and putting in the hours.

“Saturday week last it came to life at 8.00am taking in a swim of 1.4 miles; a 56 miles cycle and finished at 3.30pm with a 13.1 miles run.”

Ryan said he was humbled on the reception he got from fellow pupils and staff at Oakgrove on return to the school on Monday morning.

Iron Man Ryan Wilson pictured on his finish at Oakgrove College with staff and pupils. Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography

“Running that extra mile on Monday morning to mark the Half Iron Man was humbling.

“I’ve been at Oakgrove Integrated College for the past seven years now and the reception was much appreciated. Healthwise, I enjoy these challenges.

“It keeps me both physically and mentally fit too.

“A big thank you to all for the support and especially to all who contributed to the monies that will go to the very worthwhile cause – the Foyle Hospice.”

Ryan hopes to present the cheque to the Foyle Hospice when the total monies are collected in the coming days.