For the second year in a row, the Belfast City marathon will be run in memory of Kiara McCoy - the wonderful Director of Stanton Healthcare Belfast. All funds raised will go directly to Stanton Healthcare Belfast.

Stanton Healthcare is a pregnancy centre specialising in vital care and practical support for women in unintended pregnancies. Our mission is to offer life-affirming solutions and resources to abortion-vulnerable women, and provide hope to those struggling from the pain of a past abortion. We treat our clients with respect, dignity and compassion in a confidential and professional setting.

The full marathon (26.2 miles) will be run by Joe Flanagan, who survived the car accident that tragically took the life of our beloved friend Kiara. In Kiara's memory, this year, there will also be three relay teams running the marathon. Kiara's older sister, Donna, organised two of the relay teams, which she called 'Stanton Spirit.’ Donna is doing this "in loving memory of my beautiful sister, and best friend, Kiara; for my family and to raise awareness and vital funds for Stanton Healthcare. Little did I know that when I hugged and kissed Kiara goodbye exactly one week prior, after gathering as a family for the baptism of my youngest child Thea Elizabeth, that it would be our last goodbye. I will cherish this special memory forever."

Two of Donna's friends from Kirkliston, Jo Neilson and Jude Moyes, are travelling over from Scotland, with Donna, to support her and Stanton. Donna will run the final leg with Kiara's loving cousin, Tisha Reihill. Donna and Tisha will join Joe to cross the finish line together.

Since the opening of Stanton Healthcare Belfast in 2015, many women and babies have been saved from abortion. However, this life-saving work can only continue with your generosity and financial support. It is meeting these saved mums and their babies that gives the McCoy family a real sense of healing and joy. Kiara's Mum, Eileen, said "These vulnerable mothers and babies really need our help. Kiara’s life-saving legacy will live on through Stanton and her beautiful boys, Raphael and Jude. Kiara can do so much from her blissful, eternal home.”

All your generous donations will be used to take Stanton Healthcare to the next level and save more lives! Funds are essential to urgently helping abortion-vulnerable women. We are hoping to invest in an up-to-date ultrasound machine, as a literal window to the womb for mothers and fathers.

#TheRealMcCoy #KiarasLegacy