Armagh man, Stephen Campbell, recently completed a 107-mile marathon to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention & mental health and the palliative care provided by the Southern Area Hospice Services.

Originally, Stephen had planned to run 107-mile from Belfast to Dublin but was unable to due to Covid-19.  Not letting this deter him, Stephen got the green light to run around Loughgall Park in Armagh.  On Saturday 23^rd May at 7:00am, Stephen set off by running 1.3mile loops until he clocked up the 107-mile equivalent in just over 24 hours.  Joined by many supporters throughout the day, Stephen raised an enormous amount of funds and awareness for the two charities which undoubtedly will support those who need it most.

On completion, Stephen accompanied by his family presented PIPS Hope & Support and Southern Area Hospice with the proceeds which totalled an amazing £7,508.00 with each of the charities receiving an incredible £3,754.00 on June 27^th in Newry.

Speaking at the cheque presentation, Stephen, thanked everyone who supported and/or donated to their initiative in anyway; "I initially set out to do this challenge in March by running from Belfast to Dublin but unfortunately was unable to with the current circumstances.  There was no doubt I still wanted to undertake this challenge for both charities and soon put the wheels in motion to deliver this initiative.  Both PIPS Hope & Support and Southern Area Hospice rely persistently on donations and I wanted to do my bit to help in out.  I was delighted to have received the huge support which I did for this challenge and wish to thank each and every person who donated or helped in anyway, including my wife and children, my family, Gary Carol of C&G Embroidery, Joe from JMK Textiles, Mairead and Marty of Autobits, Bubba and Lyndsay of Bubbas Project Gym and my own employer KN Circet.  I am forever grateful to each and every single person”. 

PIPS Hope & Support fundraising coordinator, Padraig Harte thanked Stephen for his donation and the vast awareness he created for the charity in the local area.  “PIPS Hope and Support thank Stephen for his incredible effort in undertaking his challenge to raise the much-required funds and awareness for our charity.  The monies donated will allow PIPS Hope and Support to continue providing immediate therapy to anyone within the community experiencing suicidal thoughts, high levels of anxiety, poor mental health or bereaved through suicide.  Stephen’s challenge has been remarkable, and his kindness is to be desired.  Our thanks also to Stephens family and to the many individual and local businesses who supported Stephen and the charities in anyway.