Omagh trio’s 35-day challenge raises £6,000 for Air Ambulance NI

THREE friends from the Omagh area have raised around £6,000 so far for the Air Ambulance NI through their
35-day challenge, which ended last Sunday (April 4).

At the start of March, Enda McCrory, Barry Loughran and Dwayne Timlin each committed to walking, jogging, running or hiking 10km every day from March 1 until Easter Sunday to raise vital funds and awareness for the vital helicopter emergency medical service, which has a daily operational cost of £5,500.

On Sunday, the trio had great support from family and friends as they finally completed their exhausting
challenge.

Reflecting on their achievement, Enda said, “Our initial target was £1,000, but it was always at the back of our minds to raise enough money to run the Air Ambulance for one day, then potentially we would have saved at least one life.

“At the moment, we have reached that target and the money is still coming in. But it’s not about the money, it’s about saving lives.”

Enda paid tribute to the fantastic backing that the three men received throughout the 35 days.

“Not just from the generous people who donated, but also from all those who took up their own 10k challenges”.

He had a special word of thanks for Eamon O’Hagan, who took up the challenge himself and also completed it!

“A lot of people did days for us, but he did the whole thing. We all feel so much fitter now.

“It was so good for fitness and our mental health… being able to get out there and talking to people.

“But that’s not to say there weren’t a few lonely days as well. We got there in the end…we weren’t going to give in!”

Enda added, “To say we are a happy bunch of lads would be an understatement.”

* If anyone wishes to support Enda, Barry and Dwayne, please contact any of them via their Facebook pages or you can donate via the ‘Enda Barry & Dwayne 10k 35 Day Challenge’ JustGiving page.