Charity worker looks forward to challenge

Darren McKinley of Lady Wallace Way said he was surprised by the news. “I helped my sister through some difficult times when she was grieving for the loss of her children and I also have been raising money for charity over the years by running marathons so Donna decided to nominate me.

“I am delighted to get this opportunity,” said Darren who is married to Kelly and they have two sons.

With more than twenty years’ experience in the youth and community sector, Darren works with children and young people diagnosed with cancer, as well as their siblings. He visits young people in their home and organises fun activities in their local community. Darren provides emotional support and advice on many of the issues that arise during their treatment. Along with some of his fellow colleagues, Darren is involved in the Ward Support Programme in the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children and he also organises residential trips throughout the year.

Outside of work, Darren’s hobbies include spending time with family, supporting his beloved ‘Toon Army’, Newcastle United and running the roads to keep fit. He completed the London, Dublin and Belfast Marathons in 2011 and plans to do New York later this year.