Triple celebration as runner conquers London marathon

CASTLEDERG man Liam McHugh successfully completed a unique and amazing triple celebration on Sunday when he crossed the finish line of the London Marathon.

As well as conquering the gruelling 26.2 miles, yesterday was also Liam’s 60th birthday and he surpassed the £300,000 landmark for money raised to support those with Cystic Fibrosis.

Liam who has been fundraising for the last three decades, inspired by his daughter Rachel, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis in 1992, says there is still a way to go to ensure everyone has access to drug treatments.

The approval of the transformative drug, Kaftrio last year has dramatically enhanced the lives of so many with cystic fibrosis.

A delighted Liam expressed his thanks to all those who have helped his fundraising pass the £300,000 target.

“As you know I was hoping for a triple celebration; running the London Marathon, turning 60 years of age and reaching £300,000 for Cystic Fibrosis and the triple celebration is complete now, we’ve done the marathon, we’ve reached the £300,000 and I’m 60 now,” he said in a social media video recorded at the finish line.

“I think our total is now away past £300,00, I think it’s £306,000 now, the money has just been flooding in and I just want to say a massive thanks to everybody.”

Liam said the money raised has helped “transform and save” so many lives. He also said he was humbled by the support shown from across the world including America and Australia and also in his home town of Castlederg.

l Donations can still be made to Liam via his justgiving page which can be found at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/liam-mc-hugh1