Seven friends of a Portadown man who passed away abroad have committed to running the Belfast Marathon to raise vital funds for charity in his memory.
Twenty-six-year-old, Ryan Daly was embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure travelling the world when he was involved in a “devastating” road traffic accident.
His family then maintained a vigil at his bedside in a Thai hospital, where he had been for a number of days.
Tragically, he passed away on January 17, 2025 and was repatriated back to Northern Ireland for his funeral, held on February 1.
After Ryan went into hospital, Moneymore-based J&K Coaches Ltd – where Ryan had previously worked – launched a JustGiving fundraiser to support his family, which raised over £40,000.
The firm added: “We are deeply grateful to everyone who has donated, shared, commented, and sent kind messages of support through the page, the link, and across social media.
“Your words have been truly heart-warming, and we are confident that when Ryan’s family are ready, they will find great solace in reading them.
“Ryan was a remarkable person, leaving a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.”
Ryan, who worked as an Ambulance Care Attendant in the J&K Ambulance Department, “shared a deep dedication to patient care alongside his mum and sister. He was known for his kindness, compassion, and unwavering commitment to helping others,” his former employer said.
Now, just over a year on from his loss his friends have committed to running Belfast Marathon on May 6, both in full and as a relay, to bring in funds for two very worthy causes.
Of the seven friends, Callum Boyd, Daniel Smith and Jamie Gibson will complete the full 26 mile distance individually and, Ben Templeton, Craig Chambers, John Russell and Peter McKeeman will work together to complete the relay.
Speaking to Armagh I, Callum explained: “For myself and Jamie it’s our first marathon. Daniel and Craig both did Belfast last year but for the majority of us this time last year we didn’t even run!”
“Running just sort of became a good way for us to clear our heads. Myself, Jamie and Peter ran Belfast half marathon in September last year and that really kick started it.
“Ryan’s mum and sister are doing the relay as well but they are also doing a number of other fundraisers over the course of the year.”
Attending Belfast Marathon last year in support of friends Callum said he was “blown away by the day”, caught up with the “buzz” and “atmosphere”.
It was then he realised there was no better way for them all to honour their friend.
And, as a friend, words don’t really do Ryan justice. But in trying to summarise the impact Ryan made on his life, Callum said: “He was a cheeky chappy, one of the lads but always had your back.
“It didn’t matter what you were going through mentally or physically. He would always be there for you and had time for deep conversations that guys don’t have enough.
“When he passed away it sort of brought us all together to talk about those areas we don’t talk about. He was just a guy you could talk to anything about and he would always listen to you and be in your corner supporting you. ”
Launching a JustGiving page to help collate funds, Callum explained: “His loss came as a huge shock to everyone who loved him and to all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
And, he says from such a “devastating loss” they now want to turn that “darkness into light”.
The group initially aimed to raise just £1,000 – which they have already surpassed by over £500 at the time of writing – for Happy Tails Sanctuary in Koh Samui, the dog sanctuary where Ryan volunteered while in Thailand, and for Portadown Wellness Centre who offered a service that provided vital support to Daly’s family after his death.
Said Callum of Portadown Wellness Centre: “They offer subsidised counselling to help families through grief without the added financial burden.
“We always knew we were going to raise money for the Sanctuary in Thailand. A couple of months ago they were hit by bad weather and needed money so we were always going to do that.
“But in chatting to his mum about Portadown Wellness Centre about how they effectively take the financial strain off family counselling after bereavement I just knew that was the two we had to do.”
Donations to the Just Giving page can be made here.
