Alan runs the New York City Marathon 2024 for NorthWest STOP

Run a Marathon they said! And for the past 20 odd years I have found every excuse in the book not to do one. Finally, after a random late night application to the New York Marathon lottery and then completely forgetting about it, I got the email - "Success! You are running in New York!"

So after the initial mix of excitment and fear in taking on this challenge, I set off on my training which commenced 9 months ago and has so far passed over 1200km mainly on the roads of Sligo and Leitrim but also into lands futher afield such as Spain, Portugal, France and Dublin! This would never have been achieved without the most appreciated support of my wife Sinéad and my kids Charlie, Éabha & Sophia. Thank you to Adrian Gurn @runningptclinic www.facebook.com/runningptclinic for the excellent training plans and advice. And of course no runner can get to a start line without an excellent physio! Thank you Fergal Wynne @fergalwynne_rehab for keeping those dreaded injuries at bay! To everyone who has given me words of encouragement along the way, thank you.

Over those many kms, I have had time to consider what is best to do with this once in a lifetime opportunity. My immediate and lasting thought was of North West STOP, a community-based organisation that works to prevent suicide by informing, educating and promoting positive mental health. As a GP I appreciate the fantastic work that STOP does for so many people in the North West.

If you want to support me in trying to make a difference please support my running this marathon on November 3rd in aid of North West S.T.O.P. and every donation will help. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.