Alex set for charity challenge in memory of dear sister

A KEEN runner from Omagh is undertaking two charity fundraising challenges to raise money for the Air Ambulance, after losing her sister in tragic circumstances three years ago.

Alex McKinley, who is also the organiser of the Run Talk Run group in the town which focuses on running and mental health, will climb the Seven Peaks of the Mournes in August, before doing the virtual London marathon in October.

Alex’s sister Kyra passed away at just 21 after a tragic car accident, when the Air Ambulance came to her aid.

While ultimately it wasn’t enough to save Kyra’s life, Alex said the group’s intervention allowed her family time to come to terms with what had happened and for her organs to be donated.

According to her sister, four people directly benefited from Kyra’s donation.

“Although Kyra didn’t make it, we got three days because of it to gradually get our heads around what was happening and we had our time to say goodbye with her,” Alex said.

“Because the Air Ambulance worked on her for an hour and brought her to the hospital alive, it meant that organ donation became an option.”

“We’ve become very connected to the charity since then.

“With the pandemic they have virtually lost all their fundraising events, so it’s even more important that we’re coming out this year.”

Alex will take on the gruelling Seven Peaks challenge in the Mourne mountains alongside a number of close friends and her partner Aidy, while she will complete the marathon route in Omagh and the surrounding areas.

“I would love to get the marathon time in under four hours, but it depends on the day. In perfect conditions I would be hoping for that, but I’m just happy to get it done.”

She added, “The hiking part is completely new to me. We went out for a practice hike two weeks ago, but it will definitely be a challenge.”