CONLIG man Craig Ringland has returned home after completing the iconic London Marathon – an event that this year broke a Guinness World Record with over 56,000 finishers.
Craig took on the 26.2-mile challenge to raise awareness and vital funds for mental health support in Northern Ireland.
Running on behalf of AWARE NI, a charity supporting those living with depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder, Craig was inspired by his personal connection to the cause and the importance of breaking the stigma around mental illness.
“The London Marathon has been a bucket list one for me and I was thrilled to secure a place as part of AWARE’s packages,” said Craig.
“It was truly a lifetime goal for a magnificent experience – and to run for everyone who has ever struggled in silence with their mental health – it motivated me as I trained for the marathon challenge.”
With 1 in 5 people in Northern Ireland affected by mental ill-health, Craig’s fundraising efforts help AWARE NI continue to provide vital services, including an extensive network of online and in-person support groups across the region.
Locally, AWARE NI hosts two weekly support groups:
- Bangor – Wednesdays, 7pm at Trinity Presbyterian Church.
- Newtownards – Wednesdays, 7pm at IG Podiatry and Wellbeing Clinic on Frances Street.
These groups offer a safe space for people to talk and receive support from others with lived experience. AWARE’s own research shows 98% of attendees reported better management of anxiety, and 96% said they felt supported in dealing with depression.
Lesley Wright, Community and Events Officer at AWARE NI, praised Craig’s efforts:
“AWARE NI are grateful to Craig for choosing to support the charity during his own personal challenge. The funds raised will continue our services across Northern Ireland to educate and support those living with mental ill-health in our communities.”
Craig hopes his marathon effort sends a message of encouragement to others:
“It’s okay not to be okay – and there’s always help out there.”
For more information on AWARE NI or to explore their marathon fundraising packages, visit www.aware-ni.org or email fundraising@aware-ni.org.
