A number of top boxing stars including Carl Frampton and Michael Conlan will hit the road next month in support of a young West Belfast boy who is waiting on a heart transplant.
The Gaeltacht Quarter 10km will take place on Sunday, September 8 and will end a week-long of events for Organ Donation Week 2019.
The popular run - now in its fourth year - is being organised by Donate4Dáithí, a family run campaign for Ballymurphy youngster Dáithí Mac Gabhann (2) who is awaiting the gift of a new heart.
This year’s run will have the added competition of some of our finest boxers who have yet again backed the campaign.
As well as Belfast heroes Frampton and Conlan, other boxers who have confirmed to date include Paddy Barnes, Ryan Burnett, Tommy McCarthy, Steven Ward, Sean McComb, Anthony Cacace, Conrad Cummings and Joe Fitzpatrick.
Lord Mayor of Belfast John Finucane will kick things off on the day and also run the 10km.
Máirtín Mac Gabhann, Dáithí’s father said; “We are absolutely delighted at the number of people participating in the run this year.
"It represents an energetic and vibrant ending to organ donation week 2019. We’re always looking for different ways to promote organ donation, and trying to make it as normal as possible in society.
"People love to run, so why not have people running while promoting our very worthwhile campaign for organ donation. The promotion of organ donation can save lives and can directly help Dáithí and all those other children awaiting the gift of a new organ.
"Although organ donation is on the rise, there was almost a 50% decrease in paediatric heart transplants last year and this worries us very much. A heart transplant is the last resort for Dáithí and we are desperately trying to promote organ donation as best we can.”
Máirtín also hailed the support of the boxing community ahead of next month's run.
“The support of the boxing community has been amazing, and we are delighted that some of Belfast and Ireland’s greatest ever boxers are lending us their platform for support," he added.
"Dáithí absolutely loves boxing and throws every punch with the lads when they are in the ring, so it is amazing that they will now be running for Dáithí and all those other people affected by organ donation.
"We all know how competitive and determined boxers are, and we’re really looking forward to the friendly banter and competitiveness amongst the lads to see which one of them will finish first.
"The early favourite is Sean McComb, but I think there could be an upset or two on the day. I can’t thank my big mate Tommy McCarthy enough for rounding the troops and getting all the lads behind us."
There are very limited spaces available for the 10km and people can register at 10kmdonate4daithi.eventbrite.com
For further information on the Donate4Dáithí Campaign, check out their social media pages:
And anyone interested in joining the Organ Donor Register should check out www.organdonation.nhs.uk
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