FROG organiser, Paul McToal, pictured with the fundraising figure over the past eighteen years.
The Fun Run of the Glens (FROG), a stable event in Glenravel, has decided to call it a day after raising over £450,000 for local cancer charities, notably Marie Curie and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, since its inception in 2006.
Starting with only a handful of cyclists, FROG has grown into a respected sporting event with over 918 cyclists, runners and walkers taking part in the last event in June 2023 and raising £57,300 for Cancer Focus Northern Ireland.
Taking a short break in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the annual event has gone above and beyond to raise vital funds to help those affected by cancer in Northern Ireland. £73,406 was raised in 2022 alone, while over 450 cyclists covered 100 miles to raise £40,130 in 2016.
In 2022 Paul McToal, Organiser of FROG won the Chairty Champion of the Year at the Sunday Life Spirit Awards for his work in supporting local people and their families who have been impacted by cancer.
Paul McToal, Organiser of Fun Run of the Glens said:
“Over the past eighteen years I have continued to be astounded and humbled by the number of people who turn out every year and the amount of money that is raised for people affected by cancer in Northern Ireland. It simply is amazing.
“Sincere thanks must be given to everyone involved over the past eighteen years for their generosity. It has been a hard decision to call 2023 as the final year, but I truly believe it to be the correct decision. The future is bright for potential interesting fundraising opportunities, and the brainstorming is already underway. Watch this space in the coming months.
“It has been a privilege.”
Maeve Colgan, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Cancer Focus Northern Ireland and FROG organiser, Paul McToal, pictured with the 2023 fundraising figure.
James Barbour, Outdoor Events Manager at Cancer Focus Northern Ireland said:
“Cancer Focus Northern Ireland have been overjoyed to be involved with the Fun Run of the Glens. We not only thank Paul for his passionate commitment to fundraising but also to every single person who has participated over the years – you have really made a positive impact to countless individuals and families across Northern Ireland.
“Every penny raised has stayed in Northern Ireland and made a difference to local people who are living with cancer and avail of our vital support services. These services include counselling, family support, specialist bra fitting, art therapy and our patient driving service.
“Looking to the future, Cancer Focus Northern Ireland is excited to implement our new five-year strategy that will create five regional support centres across Northern Ireland. This will further enhance our delivery of cancer support services both locally and regionally.”