With just over one year of running experience, a Newry man is set to take on his second marathon ever in support of a very special school.
On Octover 25, 2026, Anthony Morgan will take on the famous Dublin Marathon to raise some much-needed funds for Rathore School in Newry.
After taking to running in July last year, he’s already managed to complete a number of races, smashing Belfast Marathon in May.
Not only has he now caught the long-distance bug but he’s also realised he can put his endeavour to good use, to help others.
Speaking of the upcoming event – which he describes as his “ultimate goal”, Anthony said: “This challenge is incredibly personal to me. My son, Conor, attends Rathore School, along with my nieces, nephews, and many of Conor’s wee friends.
“Conor has ASD, global developmental delay, and is non-speaking.
“Rathore School provides him with the specialist support and nurturing environment he needs to thrive, and he absolutely loves going to school every day. Seeing how happy and well supported he is makes this cause even more meaningful to me.”
Rathore educates children and young people aged between 3–19 years-of-age with complex learning difficulties from across the Newry and Down area.
Under Principal Caroline Currie, the school’s vision is to ” nurture and develop a community of life-long learners” and to provide a “safe, secure and fun learning environment in which we can inspire each pupil to thrive, grow and achieve their highest potential in life”.
Believing that his son’s school not only meet that vision, but exceeds it, Anthony says he feels “proud” to be running in support of a school that “means so much to our family”.
Every donation, says Anthony, no matter how small, will help create meaningful opportunities for the pupils, support school activities, and enhance outings and experiences outside the classroom.
To that end, the doting father has launched a GoFundMe page to support his fundraising with a current target of £700. At the time of writing he has already surpassed £570.
He added: “I’ll keep you updated throughout my marathon training journey—and I’ll try not to bore you too much along the way!
“Thank you all so much for your kindness and support. It really does mean the world to us.”
Make a contribution to Anthony’s GoFundMe page here.
