Megan (7) to run in memory of baby Rhyana

THOUSANDS of young runners of all abilities will be taking part in the Bupa Junior Great North Run in England this September. Many of the young contenders are raising much-needed funds for a good cause.

One seven-year-old girl from Ballycastle has special reason for taking part in the event. Megan Brolly is running on behalf on FFID, a sudden infant death charity in memory of her friend Rhyana Mooney who sadly passed away at just eight-weeks-old.

Megan’s mother Louise explained; “Megan was with baby Rhyana the day that she died. We were looking after her that morning and in the evening she went to sleep and never woke up again.”

Naturally, Rhyana’s passing had a huge impact on Megan, who lived beside each other in Drumawillin Park in Ballycastle. Megan was very upset with the passing of Rhyana, so she decided that she wanted to take part in a marathon in her memory.

The event which takes place on Saturday 17th September at Newcastle Gateshead Quayside, is open to youngsters aged 3-16-years-old. Megan is unfased by the three-mile challenge which is the distance for juniors.

Megan is really excited about taking part in the marathon next month.

She said; “I felt really sorry for the family, not having her there, and I want to do the run to make them feel a bit happier.” Megan told the Times that she would like to finish the run and raise a lot of money for the chairty to find out what is causing sudden infact deaths.

Organisers of the event added “All runners receive an event t-shirt, medal, finishers pack and loads of great goodies. Also, they will receive a fantastic sense of achievement when crossing the finishing line.”

Megan’s mother Louise took part in a similar marathon in aid of her best friend Keelan Duncan, who sadly lost his life to cancer.

Her sister Helena Dornan trained her up and together they raised a lot of money for Marie Curie Cancer Care. Megan wanted to follow in her mummy’s footsteps and take part in this marathon for baby Rhyana.