Alan completes heroic effort in aid of charity

Ballyclare’s very own super hero, Alan Dew, has completed his triple marathon challenge in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.
Mission accomplished: Pictured (l-r) at the finish line of the Walled City Marathon in Guildhall Square are Amber Porter, Charles Porter, Alan Dew and Kathy Dew. INNT 24-503CONMission accomplished: Pictured (l-r) at the finish line of the Walled City Marathon in Guildhall Square are Amber Porter, Charles Porter, Alan Dew and Kathy Dew. INNT 24-503CON
Mission accomplished: Pictured (l-r) at the finish line of the Walled City Marathon in Guildhall Square are Amber Porter, Charles Porter, Alan Dew and Kathy Dew. INNT 24-503CON

The 34-year-old environmental consultant ran three 26-mile races in three months. And he did them all dressed as Batman.

His gruelling fundraising challenge started on April 6 with the Connemara Marathon. He then took on the Belfast City Marathon on May 5, and finally finished his physical fundraiser with the Walled City Marathon in Londonderry on June 1.

“I’ve made it to the end of my challenge, and what a way to finish. The people of Derry cheered me every step of the way and the last few miles were out of this world,” he said.

“I found the third marathon much tougher than I thought, and credit must go to my running partner, Charles Porter, running for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, who just wouldn’t let me stop. The generosity and support of people to date also kept me going.”

Alan, who is originally from Walsall, moved to Ballyclare five years ago after marrying his fiancée, Kathy. He decided to take on the challenge in support of Macmillan as his mother-in-law is part of the charity’s Ballyclare fundraising group.

Delighted to have completed the personal challenge, he added: “The Batman costume is now in tatters and in a hotel bin! I’ll not be doing any marathons for a while, but will definitely return for the Walled City Marathon again at some point.”

Alan has already raised more than £3,500 for the charity, and is hoping to take his total even higher.

Anyone who would like to support his fundraising effort can still do so by donating online at www.justgiving.com/bloodystupid or by texting ‘PWOR77 £5’ to 70070.