A Portadown-based estate agent is taking on part of the Belfast City Marathon in aid of charity following a hip replacement for an accident she had on a farm.
Libby Clarke, a farmer and estate agent from rural Magheralin, loves nothing more than looking after her cattle and helping people find their dream home.
But now, Libby is taking on a unique challenge in aid of Air Ambulance NI.
Coming from a rural farming background, Libby understands the crucial need for pre-hospital critical care when the worst happens, hence her support for Air Ambulance NI as part of their agribusiness group.
When the charity was nominated as sole beneficiary for the Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon, Libby was keen to help.
She explained: “For a farmer, ‘marathon’ and ‘Belfast’ are two words that aren’t used too frequently, but it seemed like the ideal event to push myself out of my comfort zone and raise vital monies for the Air Ambulance NI.
“The medical team are needed by someone on average twice every single day and £5,500 is needed daily to keep the service going. It’s good to play my part and I am really encouraging my network to get involved. Already many have signed up including members of the NI Commercial Cattle Exhibitors Club who jumped onboard as soon as details were released.”
The challenge Libby has set herself is a tough one as she has just had a hip replacement following injuries received on her farm several years ago.
She said: “I was attacked on my farm almost nine years ago and knew early on that there would be repercussions down the line due to severity of the injuries received at that time.
“However, this just means that I must push myself harder to get training in before the Marathon in April! I’m really touched that even at this early stage, friends and family are digging deep for the cause.”
You can sign up now for the Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon at https://belfastcitymarathon.com/ and choose to support Air Ambulance NI.
Kerry Anderson from the charity said: “We are so touched that following hip replacement Libby is taking on part of the marathon. This year’s event has an 8-mile walk, team relay and the full 26.2miles so there is something for everyone and now is a great time to sign up to help New Year focus.”
For more information about Air Ambulance NI see www.airambulanceni.org and to support Libby please donate here.
