From the beginning of Lockdown in March 2020, running was a great escape for me in an uncertain time. I always had a full Marathon in my head as something I wanted to do at some stage in my life, and following on from my football retirement decided there was no time like the present.

Therefore I have been training to run the Belfast City Marathon on 3rd October 2021. Running over 400 miles in the past 12 weeks since my proper training began.

I have created this page to help raise money for Cancer Focus NI. A woman that plays an important role in my life has recently been diagnosed with Cancer for a 2nd time, and is currently going through treatment. Therefore this charity was the obvious choice for me as I know it’s one that plays a massive role in helping people all across NI at uncertain and challenging times. 

If you can donate anything please, it will go a really long way I’m sure.

Many thanks,

Matthew Neill

Cancer Focus Northern Ireland is your local cancer champion, here to help you and your family if you have cancer. Helping you take steps to a healthier life, to lower your risk and to bring a more hopeful future by funding ground breaking research. We are so excited to be this years Official Charity Partner for the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Half Marathon! By running the Belfast City Marathon or Half Marathon for Cancer Focus NI youll be helping to fund ground breaking research. There have been exciting recent advances in immunology and cancer. Immunotherapy is developing new ways to highlight cancer cells so our own natural immune system can detect, respond and destroy these cells. Recently Immunotherapy has brought very welcomed advances to the treatment of lung cancer and malignant melanoma both cancers where there are fast mutating cells, few treatment options and a high mortality rate.