Ballymoney businessman takes on 120K 'backyard ultra' for MND Association in memory of grandfather

A Ballymoney man is set to take on a gruelling fundraising run for the Motor Neurone Disease Association in memory of his beloved grandfather.

Kyle McAuley will attempt to run 5K every hour for 24 hours, covering a total of 120K as part of a ‘Backyard Ultra’ fundraiser.

Ballymoney businessman Kyle McAuley who will be taking on a Backyard Ultra in aid of the MND Association.

placeholder image — Ballymoney businessman Kyle McAuley who will be taking on a Backyard Ultra in aid of the MND Association.

Owner of McAuley Tree Surgery, with depots in Ballymoney and Mallusk, Kyle is a well known local businessman and he is raising money for the MND Association 20 years since his grandfather Albert passed away from Motor Neurone Disease.

The challenge will take place at 31 Ballymena Road, Ballymoney, on Friday and Saturday, October 2 and 3.

A young Kyle pictured with his late grandfather Albert who died from Motor Neurone Disease 20 years ago.

Kyle is hoping to get some local support behind him, particularly as he’ll be running through the day and night to complete the full 24 hours.

To raise money alongside the challenge, there will also be a charity car wash at the Ballymena Road site on the Friday (12 noon-7pm) and Saturday (9-11am) with bacon baps available while motorists wait.

The car wash is donation only, with all money raised going to the MND Association. The events are all contributing to Kyle’s target of £10,000 which he hopes to raise by running the London Marathon in April of next year.

Kyle’s fundraising total to date stands at £4,355. Kyle said: “Your donation will change the lives of people affected by MND in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Every penny you donate matters.”

To suport Kyle in his mammoth run, the public is asked to come along to the car wash or to donate directly through his fundraiser on Facebook.