So, get this – twenty prisoners are gearing up to run in the Belfast Marathon this Sunday. But here’s the kicker – they’re not hitting the streets like the rest of the runners. Nope, these guys are doing their own thing right inside Maghaberry Prison. I mean, talk about unique, right? The Belfast Marathon organizers have set up an official course within the high-security facility for the prisoners to complete the full 26.2 miles. Meanwhile, thousands of other runners will be pounding the pavement out on the streets of Belfast.
Now, the 20 prisoners, ranging from 22 to 71 years old, are splitting into four relay teams for the big run. And get this – there are even two Prison Service staff teams getting in on the action. Deputy governor Claire Graham is leading one of those teams. Plus, there’s a team from the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust based in Maghaberry joining the marathon event inside the prison. It’s like a whole party in there!
Tracy Megrath, the governor of Maghaberry Prison, shared that the staff and prisoners are running to raise money for the Cancer Fund for Children charity. Apparently, this isn’t their first rodeo. They’ve been hosting this marathon inside the prison since 2023, making it an annual tradition for everyone behind bars. The prisoners have been on a fitness and nutrition program since January, getting all prepped and ready for the big day. And guess what? They’re already raking in hundreds of pounds in donations from staff and fellow inmates. They’re aiming to hit over £1,000 in total. Not too shabby, right?
Megrath mentioned that the Prison Service is all about supporting those who come their way from the courts. Through various projects and activities, they’re helping these guys gear up for life outside the prison walls. It’s all about that sense of achievement and getting ready to reintegrate into society. Talk about a whole new perspective on prison life!
Cormac McMullan, the Cancer Fund for Children’s community fundraising and engagement lead, expressed immense gratitude for the support. Every week, three more kids and young adults in Northern Ireland get hit with a cancer diagnosis. It’s a tough road, not just for them but also for those dealing with a parent’s diagnosis. The funds raised from the marathon will go towards providing crucial support in hospitals, communities, and at their therapeutic center, Daisy Lodge. They’re making sure these young people have the backing they need to fight cancer head-on.
So, there you have it – prisoners on the run in Maghaberry, training hard for the Belfast Marathon. Who would’ve thought a prison could host such a unique event, right? But hey, when it’s for a good cause like the Cancer Fund for Children, anything is possible. It’s all about coming together, breaking barriers, and making a difference, even from behind bars. And who knows, maybe this marathon inside the prison will inspire others to lace up their running shoes and join the cause. It’s a story of hope, unity, and the power of giving back – even in the most unexpected of places.
