Letterkenny runner Margaret Coyle has once again demonstrated her passion for charity by completing the Donegal Half Marathon in aid of the Donegal branch of MS Ireland.
Margaret crossed the finish line last Sunday in a great time of 2:19:43.
Her achievements were matched by her fundraising success, as she raised an impressive €1,650 for a charity close to her heart.
Margaret made the decision to run for the MS Ireland after her friend Mary Devlin’s granddaughter, Sophia, was diagnosed with MS last year. She out fundraising with the aim of collecting a few hundred euros. To her amazement, the response from the community was overwhelming, and she managed to raise a staggering €1,650.
“People have always been so kind and supportive to me with my fundraising efforts for others,” Margaret said.
Margaret happily handed over the cheque this week to Clement Clarke at the Donegal branch of MS Ireland. They were delighted to be joined by Sophia for the presentation.
Margaret Coyle doind the Donegal Half Marathon on Sunday last. Photo: North West Newspix
When asked why she loves running so much, Margaret said: “Six years ago I could hardly run out of your way, I was so overweight. I joined Couch to 5k and that was the turning point in my life. I was over 16 stone, diagnosed as a diabetic, a smoker and so depressed to the point I couldn’t see a way out. The day I found running, my life changed for the better. I’m now in a much happier place, down to 12 stone, nearly 7 years off the cigarettes and definitely leading the happiest life ever.
“All this is also down to the great support of so many great friends I’ve met along the way, they walked into my life just at the right time in my life, I will continue helping others as long as I can and will keep running one foot in front of the other, massive thanks to everyone for making this half marathon such a success for Donegal branch of MS.”
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