Mayor of Letterkenny Kevin Bradley says he owes his health to the positive force of the North West 10k.
The Independent Councillor and bakery owner had an inspirational weight loss journey almost a decade ago, shedding an incredible 14 stone in weight.
The turnaround all started back in 2015, he says, when the 10K gave him an eye-opening experience and motivated him to change his life.
“There was a friend of mine getting married and I was trying to lose a few pounds,” Cllr Bradley said.
“The problem was I was 29 stone at the time.”
“It wasn’t easy. We walked the 10K and I nearly took a heart attack. I knew I had to change my ways and I had to get the weight off then.”
Cllr Bradley had a gastric bypass procedure to help him begin his weight loss, but he emphasizes the crucial role the charity 10k played in kickstarting his commitment to health.
The following year he walked the route with Boyd Robinson and the change was remarkable, he said.
“I was 13 stone down,” Cllr Bradley said. “It was thanks to the Northwest 10K that set this whole thing going. I have to commend them, they don’t know what I owe them.”
Boyd Robinson and Kevin Bradley complete the 2016 Northwest 10K
Inspired by his own experience, Cllr Bradley encourages the community to embrace the upcoming 10k on May 6th and support its 2024 partner charities.
“I wish you all the best, I owe you that much,” he said.
The beneficiary charities of this year’s North West 10K are Kilmacrennan, Termon, Gartan, Churchill and Trentagh Community First Responders, Cara House and Letterkenny Community Childcare Centre. The 27th annual North West 10k was officially launched yesterday by the 2023 women’s winner Noeleen Scanlon.
Martina McGinty, Cara House, Letterkenny AC’s Noeleen Scanlan, North West 10K Chair Neil Martin, Geraldine Burke, Letterkenny Community Childcare Service and Claire McGrenra, Kilmacrennan Termon Gartan Churchill Trentagh Community First Responders
Over the next 12 weeks, the chosen charities will be out in force, fundraising and increasing awareness of the vital work they do supporting people across Donegal. The overall total raised since the Northwest 10k started in 1997 is now €932,000.
As the committee eyes the one million mark in the next couple of years Chairperson Neil Martin said it is a remarkable achievement for the volunteers to have supported almost 40 local causes.
He also expressed his appreciation to the five sponsors: DonegalDaily.com, Brian McCormick Interpsport, Century Cinemas, the Mount Errigal Hotel and the Value Centre.
Mr Martin acknowledged the work done annually by the Gardai under the direction of Sergeant Eunan Walsh who worked closely with the 10k Traffic and Route Management members Neily McDaid and Brendan McDaid.
People are now being urged to get registered, get training and get the word out to support the Northwest 10k charities of 2024. Online entries are now being taken for May’s event by going to https://www.njuko.net/nw_10k_2024 where runners and walkers will find all the information required.
Sponsorship cards are available from committee members and the benefitting charities.
