The Mayor to participate in the Great North Run

The Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Thomas Beckett will swap his chain for trainers on Sunday 13th September as he participates in the Great North Run, in Newcastle upon Tyne, to raise funds for his chosen charity, the ‘Mary Peters Trust’.

 

The Mary Peters Trust provides support to young and talented athletes across Northern Ireland.  It works alongside Sport NI and, with the assistance of the Governing Bodies of Sport, makes financial awards towards approved out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Former Mary Peters Trust recipients include golf Major winners Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell and Darren Clarke in their formative years plus Dr Janet Gray MBE, Niall McVeigh who became World Dwarf Badminton Champion, swimming sensation Sycerika McMahon; and athlete Sally Brown.

 

The Mayor will be one of approximately 57,000 people participating in the world’s leading half marathon, in what will be his fourth appearance at the run. He said, “Running is a big passion of mine and I am delighted for the fourth time to be taking part in the Great North Run. It is one of the most challenging but enjoyable half marathons, covering 13.1 miles and I am really looking forward to running it again.

 

“Most importantly, my main motivation for participating in the Great North Run is to raise funds for my chosen charity, the ‘Mary Peters Trust’, which provides financial and advisory support to local talented athletes across Northern Ireland in a wide range of sporting disciplines.

 

“I would sincerely appreciate everyone’s support and encourage you to pledge what you can, whether great or small. All monies raised will go directly to the Trust to help our talented athletes achieve their dreams”.

 

Wishing the Mayor a successful race, Dame Mary Peters CH DBE said, “I know Thomas has been training hard preparing for this challenging race and I would like to encourage everyone to get behind him and sponsor his run.

 

“A number of projects to raise funds for the Trust have already taken place, and a huge thanks goes to Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, especially Thomas, who always goes the ‘extra mile’; it really is very much appreciated.

 

“I would like to wish Thomas all the very best in the Great North Run and I hope he has a safe and enjoyable experience”.

 

Anyone wishing to make a donation to the Mayor's Charity, The Mary Peters Trust, please contact the Mayor’s Office on 028 9250 9331 or email mayors.secretary@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk