Five go sober (and run 1,000k!) for charity

By Una Culkin
Published 12th Jan 2021, 10:23 BST
Updated 12th Jan 2021, 11:16 BST
From left - Adam Stewart, Lewis Gardner, Luke McIlreavy, Ross Canning and Andrew McLeanFrom left - Adam Stewart, Lewis Gardner, Luke McIlreavy, Ross Canning and Andrew McLean
From left - Adam Stewart, Lewis Gardner, Luke McIlreavy, Ross Canning and Andrew McLean
As many people are trying (and possibly failing) to stick with a New Year’s resolution for a healthier lifestyle, five young men from the north coast have pledged to stay sober for 66 days AND run 1,000k in a bid to raise money for charity.

Luke McIlreavy, along with Lewis Gardner, Adam Stewart, Andrew McLean and Ross Canning, are currently tackling their challenge in a bid to raise £5,000 for mental health charity, The Olive Branch.

“During the first lockdown, we all started running to improve our overall fitness and mental health.

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“Each of us has had to deal with mental health issues in the past, so this year we really wanted to make a difference – more so than ever during these times,” said Luke.

“We bounced around a few ideas in our group chat and came up with the “66 Days Later” challenge.

“We’re staying sober for 66 days (from January 1) and running 1,000k, collectively, to raise mental health awareness and to help mitigate the stigma from coming forward. It averages a run of 25k a week each.

“So far the boys have collectively run over 210km/130miles and raised nearly £1,000 within seven days for The Olive Branch mental health charity, with just another 790km/490miles to go!

“Our finishing date is Monday, March 8.”

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The Olive Branch was founded in November 2017 by Alan Mulholland and Leoné Paul.

It began with a vision to offer a free of charge, self-referral, no-appointment necessary professional counselling service.

It is a self-funded organisation with offices in Coleraine and Magherafelt.

Ballymoney man Luke is a staunch supporter of The Olive Branch.

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In August last year, Luke, who is well known in the Northern Ireland clubbing scene and runs a clothing business called nine-zero-nine selling distinctive club, festival and street attire, came up with another innovative fundraiser. For the month of August, he donated all profits from his business to The Olive Branch.

You can donate at JustGiving 66 Days Later (1,000k Run).

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Thank you at JustGiving 66 Days Later (1,000k Run).

Related topics:Northern Ireland