Staff from across the South Eastern Trust came together on Sunday to take part in the Belfast City Marathon, raising thousands of pounds for a range of charities close to their hearts.
Colleagues from multiple departments stepped up to the challenge, demonstrating teamwork, resilience and a shared commitment to supporting their local communities.
A total of 22 staff from the Ulster Hospital Renal Unit took part in this year’s event, coming together to raise vital funds for K9 Search & Rescue. The charity was chosen in memory of the Unit’s Deputy Sister, Anita Potts’s, sister who sadly passed away earlier this year.
Anita said, “This was our third year in a row taking part, although we have been involved for a number of years now. We choose a different charity each year and this time we supported K9 Search & Rescue in memory of my sister, whose daughter volunteers with them.
“It was a fantastic experience. We all ran together, supported each other throughout and it was a great team-building exercise.
“For those who completed the full marathon, it was an incredible achievement and even completing a relay leg is something to be really proud of. To get across the finish line means a lot.
“I would like to thank all my colleagues who took part this year in memory of my sister, I really appreciate their support.”
Assistant Director of Risk Management, Martine McNally, who was running for the Children’s Hyperinsulinism Charity, to help young people with this rare congenital, potentially life-threatening condition, raised an impressive 3,300 pounds. “It was an amazing and emotional day. I will never forget the moment I crossed the finishing line with my running buddy Kathleen. The atmosphere was absolutely electric!”
Staff from Ward 3B also made a significant contribution, raising £2,819 for a salivary gland charity.
Teams from the Trust’s Neonatal Unit also took part in the Marathon, adding to the fundraising success and showing their support for local charitable causes.
Communications Officer, Joy Kennedy, loved running in the relay with Rosario Football Club, raising an impressive £1,560 for All Disability Team, supporting inclusive opportunities for everyone to participate in sport.