Doagh postman hopes to deliver on marathon challenge

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ROYAL Mail postman and charity fundraiser, David Warwick, has set himself another marathon challenge - all in aid of his favoured charity, the Christian Blind Mission.

From August 5 to 8, David who is from Doagh, is running around each of the 12 IFA Premiership football grounds in a very tight schedule that will cover all of Northern Ireland stretching from Coleraine to Newry and from Portadown to Londonderry.

David's plan is to run approximately eight laps per Premiership ground equating to about 2 miles, then jump in his car and off to the next ground to do it all over again, 12 times!

At each venue he hopes to get players and managers involved, and perhaps the local Mayor will lend support as well.

The marathon challenge commenced this week and culminates at Seaview, home of last season's Irish Cup winners Crusaders, on the opening day of the new season. The full schedule is as follows:

Wednesday, August 5 - Linfield (Windsor Park), Glentoran (The Oval) and Cliftonville (Solitude);
Thursday, August 6 - Ballymena United (The Showgrounds), Coleraine (The Showgrounds) and Institute (Riverside Stadium);
Friday, August 7 - Newry City (The Showgrounds), Portadown (Shamrock Park) and Dungannon Swifts (Stangmore Park);
Saturday, August 8 - Glenavon (Mourneview Park), Lisburn Distillery (New Grosvenor Stadium) and Crusaders (Seaview).

David, whose father is registered blind, knows the challenges that face visually impaired people in going about their day-to-day routine. He has been raising funds for the Christian Blind Mission for over two years.

In 2007, he ran 133 miles around Lough Neagh; in 2008 he completed a 50-mile walk around the Isle of Man; and earlier this year he ran 20 times around the walls of Derry.

David has been pulling on his running shoes at every opportunity to train and keep in shape and has even been spotted running from door to door delivery the mail around the Parkgate area.

David said: "I am really looking forward to yet another challenge. I have been training hard and feel fit but it will be a hard struggle right to the last ground.

"I have chosen the Christian Blind Mission as my chosen charity and am extremely grateful to everyone who has given sponsorship to me so far.

"If anyone would like to add his or her support to my fundraising efforts for this very worthy cause please contact me directly, donate online at http://www.justgiving.com/footymarathon09" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;, or visit the Christian Blind Mission, Waring Street, Belfast."

Christian Blind Mission has been working on behalf of the blind for over 100 years, and is currently operating in 113 countries with over 37 million people. They have been changing lives by working with partner organisations to cure and prevent blindness caused by cataract, trachoma and river blindness.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It's also the most efficient way to sponsor David. Christian Blind Mission gets your money faster and, if you're a taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.