Marathon for Marie Curie and Ulster Youth Orchestra

I am running 26.2 miles in the Belfast Marathon on 4 May 2025 in memory of my dear friend Brian Connor and will be raising funds for two charities, the Marie Curie hospice in Belfast and the Ulster Youth Orchestra.

I am running for the Marie Curie hospice in Belfast for the incredible support they were to Brian during his illness, and for UYO for the very important work they do in supporting young musicians through mentoring and performance opportunities that I was delighted to involve Brian in some years ago.

I am incredibly grateful for the love and care Brian was shown by the staff at the Marie Curie hospice in Belfast. We talked and laughed regularly about the people he met there, the riotous dry humour he bestowed upon them and just what a source of comfort this place was to him. I always got a sense that he felt he could really trust the staff here and that he felt very comfortable with them. The difference the Marie Curie hospice made in Brian's journey was was evident in every conversation we had about it.

Brian loved to mentor, I cannot think of the number of people that have introduced themselves to me in a Brian context and nearly immediately told me what a mentor he had been to them. I remember being absolutely delighted when Brian agreed to act as piano tutor for the Ulster Youth Orchestra, this was just another place where Brian left his magic touch. He had such a heart for seeing the best in people and guiding them to fulfil their potential and I know he had a real impact on the young musicians he met here and kept in touch with.

Both of these charities are staffed by people with hearts of gold and I know any donations will go to such good use. Thank you for any support you can give x

Donations will be shared equally between the two charities.

14 mile training update

18 mile training update