Monica Kelly (Moy) has challenged herself to compete her first marathon on Sunday 5th May, Moy Park Belfast City Marathon, while raising funds for Air Ambulance NI.
Monica is part of the Moy Park Belfast City Marathon Ambassador Group, the ‘26.2 Crew’, a select group of first time marathon runners, supporting each other through their first marathon and guided by the Belfast City Marathon team.
The ‘26.2 Crew’ are provided with a comprehensive package, including access to citywide gym membership from Better (Official Gym Sponsor), bespoke marathon training programme from Runna, gait analysis from The Running Bubble Lisburn, nutrition and hydration advice, as well as samples, training kits and goodies from key sponsors Moy Park, Linwoods Health Foods, Tayto and Deep RiverRock, Cool FM, Belfast Live, NIE Networks and designated charity Air Ambulance NI.
Monica said;
‘I am delighted to represent Air Ambulance NI as part of the Marathon Ambassadors Group, the ’26.2 crew’! This is my first marathon and I will be completing it with my husband, who is a seasoned marathon runner. In September 2023, we both ran the Moy Park Belfast City Half Marathon as part of #TeamAirAmbulanceNI and raised over £1,000 for this amazing service. We understand the value of this service as we have neighbours who work as part of the HEMS team and are delighted we can support them in this way.
I am thoroughly enjoying being part of the ambassador group, which is offering me support, guidance and giving me confidence on my marathon journey. If you’re thinking about doing the marathon or getting some friends together to do the team relay or 8 mile walk, sign up today. You won’t regret it!’
Grace Williams, Area Fundraising Manager for the charity said,
“Monica and her husband John are great friends of the charity and we are so grateful to them for their continued support. We were delighted when Monica agreed to be our representative on the Moy Park Belfast City Marathon Ambassador Group. We are so pleased that Monica and the rest of the ‘26.2 crew’ will be supporting the charity in the marathon and are gaining so much confidence and experience being part of this team.
As designated charity partner, we think it’s a great opportunity to get active and play your part in saving lives, brains and limbs. ‘Others Live When You Give’ and we are keen to remind people of the range of events that will be part of the day on 5th May, including an 8-Mile Walk, Team Relay with a shortest leg of 4.2 miles, as well as the full 26.2 mile run and wheelchair race. Then of course there is the half marathon on 22nd September 2024.
Funds raised will help people in your community for whom the worst has happened, meaning they require pre-hospital critical care at scene. Every day the medical team are needed on average twice per day.”
You can register now for the 8-Mile Walk, Team Relay, Half Marathon and Full Marathon at https://belfastcitymarathon.com/
Grace added, “We are encouraging our supporters to register now as the event is set to be the biggest marathon the city has hosted in 42 years. So, why not gather a few friends for the walk, or a group of work colleagues for the relay or take on that ‘bucket list challenge’ of first-ever half-marathon or full marathon!
When you register you will have the option to support Air Ambulance NI. Please tick the box and we will be in touch with your digital fundraising pack and your invitation to the helicopter airbase, so you can personally see the service you are challenging yourself for and supporting!
And remember, if you sign up for the Team Relay before the end of February you will be in with a chance of winning £500 of Lidl shopping vouchers and 2 tickets to Simple Minds, courtesy of Cool FM.”
If you would like to support Monica’s fundraising or the ’26.2 crew’ please visit the links below
Fundraising Page of Monica Kelly (eventmaster.ie)
Further information is also available from Air Ambulance NI Moy Park Belfast City Marathon & Half Marathon – Air Ambulance NI, by calling the charity on 028 9262 2677 or emailing belfastmarathon@airambulanceni.org