Darren makes marathon effort for Action Cancer

Larne Specsavers Store Director Darren Caulfield recently ran the 26-mile Belfast marathon in honour of the work which the organisation invests in helping local people affected by cancer.

Darren told the Times that he was so impressed by the support which his friend received from the charity that he felt compelled to take action.

“My friend’s father was diagnosed with cancer and at the same time my friend lost his job and had no family network to fall back on,” he explained.

“Action Cancer helped him in a big way, and when his father passed away they showed him what help was available and what could be done for the family.

“That’s what made me start raising money for them, beginning with the New York marathon in 2011.

“I also ran the Larne half marathon and every year when the Belfast marathon came along I felt I should be doing it, so this year I finally decided to give it a go!”

Despite his experience, Darren admits that the Belfast course was challenging.

“The first 21 miles flew by but the last five miles were really tough,” he recalled,

“I finished in 4.06 which I was happy enough with. The support of our customers and my colleagues was great and I want to thank them.”

Darren hopes that the money raised will boost the charity’s life-saving work across the Province.

“Action Cancer carries out screening checks and has buses which travel across Northern Ireland to help with early detection, which is key,” he said.

Darren says his friend is now doing well thanks to Action Cancer’s intervention.

“He now has a job and is doing well and that’s largely due to Action Cancer’s help,” Darren revealed.

“He said he would have been lost without them.”

To donate to Darren’s fundraising, visit: www.justgiving.com/darren-caulfield1?.