Alex overcomes pain to complete the Dublin Marathon in aid of charity

IT was support from the kind people of Omagh, and the life-changing work of the charity she was raising money for, that kept Alex McKinley going in the weekend’s Dublin Marathon – despite facing an extremely sore calf and glute muscle less than halfway through.

The Omagh woman finished her hard-fought running challenge, and, despite the setbacks, the Queen’s University graduate managed to raise more than £1,500
for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland.

They are a charity close to her heart: Alex began running after her dearest sister, Kyra, tragically passed away following a road collision four years ago.

The Air Ambulance were immediately on the scene, and, although the 21-year-old’s life sadly couldn’t be saved, the attendance and critical care interventions the charity allowed Kyra’s family the time to say goodbye, and meant that her organs could be donated to four people in need.

The registered charity operates a helicopter emergency medical service dedicated to responding to serious trauma and medical emergencies in Northern Ireland.

The Dublin marathon was the second in the space of a month – the other being the London Marathon – that Alex has run in aid of the charity… And it was a tough one!

“It was one hard-earned medal!” Alex said.

“The race was going nicely, until, coming out of Phoenix Park, around mile 10, when my calf began to get sore. This progressively got worse, with my glute then joining in with the fun.

“So many lovely people stopped and asked if I was okay, but all I could say was that ‘I’ll be fine; I’m going to make it to the finish.”

With steely-determination, Alex adopted a walk-run approach, but, eventually, she got there.

“It was not my best time – but it was certainly nowhere near my worst,” she described. “Every race has a story to tell, and this one, for me, was one of pure stubbornness and grit – and I can be proud of it!”

Expressing her thanks, Alex added, “I can 100 per-cent say that it was thanks to every single one of you that donated that stopped me from pulling the pin: I was absolutely for finishing my challenge.

“I’ve raised over £1,500 for Air Amulance NI – so thank you all so so much.

“I’d also like to say a huge ‘well done’ to everyone who gave Dublin a crack,” Alex added. “Rest up – we’ve earned it!”