A HOLYWOOD man is taking on one of the world’s toughest endurance events to raise funds for end of life charity Marie Curie.
Matty Tunnah (25) will compete in the Hamburg Ironman on Sunday, June 1st, a challenge that involves a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a full marathon — all in one day.
A personal trainer, Matty has been training for the event for years. He’s chosen to fundraise for Marie Curie in honour of his late grandfather, Neil, who was cared for at the charity’s Belfast hospice 20 years ago.
“At such a young age I didn’t fully understand the seriousness of granda’s illness, but I do really remember how good and kind the staff were to me and my family, especially when granda passed away,” said Matty. “It is a memory that has stayed with me all my life and so when I decided to take on the Ironman, I always knew I wanted to do it in support of Marie Curie.”
Matty began running in 2019 after taking part in the Belfast Half Marathon with his mum. Since then, he’s completed several running and triathlon events, but this Ironman will be his most demanding yet.
“Training for the Ironman is intense, and it has been a massive commitment over a long period of time. I know it will be painful on the day, but it’s never going to be anything like as tough as what some of the people who Marie Curie cares for at the end of life go through.”
Matty’s partner Jenny is also taking part in the Ironman, and the pair have spent countless hours training together across the Ards peninsula.
“The long hours of training can be lonely, so it has been great that Jenny and I have done lots of the training together and can keep each other motivated,” Matty said. “It is the hardest thing I’ve ever done but I’m looking forward to the event and I’m so pleased that I can also use it to help raise vital funds for Marie Curie.”
Supporting the charity is a family tradition. Matty’s grandmother volunteers in the Marie Curie shop on Belmont Road, his father is a volunteer driver, and his mother has run half marathons in aid of the cause.
Marie Harris, community fundraiser at Marie Curie, said: “We’re in awe of Matty taking on this massive challenge and are very grateful to him for choosing to support Marie Curie. The funds he raises will help us to support more people to get the end of life care they need across Northern Ireland.”
To support Matty’s Ironman Challenge, visit: www.justgiving.com/page/ironmatt.
