Annie’s run-derful quest for charity

A FERMANAGH woman is gearing up to take on the Ards Half Marathon, not just for personal achievement but to support a local charity that is close to her heart.
Annie Masterson from Enniskillen has been a volunteer for local charity ‘Friends of the Cancer Centre’ for nine years and is a proud member of its Fermanagh fundraising group
“Over the last few years I have completed an abseil, sky dive and 10k for the charity, but this will definitely be my biggest challenge yet,” Annie told the ‘Herald.
“I am most definitely not a runner, but I wanted to challenge myself. Unfortunately this cause has or will likely affect all of us across our lifetime, but I like to focus on what small difference we can make rather than what we can’t do.
“Being one of the youngest volunteers in Friends of the Cancer Centre’s’ Fermanagh fundraising group is wonderful, but I want to be an advocate for more young people to get involved in charity work. The difference you can make to local people going through cancer and their families is amazing,” she said.
‘Friends of the Cancer Centre’ enhances the quality of patient care and support through its life-changing and life-saving work, which includes funding additional nurses, supporting local research and providing practical support, such as financial grants, which help families through a difficult time.
“This year marks the charity’s 40 year anniversary, so to be able to support them by running the half marathon is even more special,” explained Annie.
“I can’t wait. I am just one of the many incredible volunteers in ‘Friends of the Cancer Centre’s’ Fermanagh fundraising group. I will be running filled with pride to be part of such an inspiring group and fulfilling charity.
“The training has definitely not been easy but I am following a plan to get me ready for the big day. Any time I need some motivation I open the JustGiving page. I am so grateful for all of the generosity and support from local people, far and wide. It gives me all the drive to get out training.”
To donate to Annies just giving page you can use the link https://www.justgiving.com/page/annie-masterson?