Hi, I’m Matthew, and I RAN the Belfast Marathon in aid of Cuan Mhuire, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre based in Ireland.

Cuan Mhuire has a special place in my heart, because without their help and support, mine would have stopped beating a long time ago. For the last seven years, I had been fighting a losing battle with anxiety, depression, and post traumatic stress. I tried everything to get help, from counselling, therapy, antidepressants, and more to try and feel normal again.

Fearing that nothing was working in pursuit of improving my mental well-being, I turned to alcohol which provided a temporary fix to my problem. It soon took hold of my life. I felt that I had failed at life and I was convinced that I would be dead before my 28th birthday.

Cuan Mhuire took me in at my lowest point of desperation and homelessness. They fed me, clothed me, and gave me the support I needed to realise that I have a life worth living. With their help, I have been alcohol-free for nine months, my anxiety has all but disappeared, and for the first time in over seven years, I feel genuine hope for the future.

So, why am I running a marathon to raise money?

Before coming into Cuan Mhuire, I was involved in a near fatal road traffic accident, breaking my leg, sternum, and several ribs, and I didn’t know if I would ever be able to walk properly again. At this time I was also significantly overweight, and struggled to even put shoes on without wheezing. I am taking on this challenge to prove that I am worth more than my past, my failures, and my insecurities, while hoping to raise funds for the place that saved my life - all while living in a homeless shelter.

Cuan Mhuire offers a twelve week rehabilitation treatment for people who suffer from alcohol, substance, and gambling abuse. 40% of those who are admitted are homeless, and they rely on public support for the majority of their funding. If this place didn’t exist, I would not have been able to afford private rehabilitation treatment, and would have continued on suffering until it took my life.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.