A TYRONE man who has run a marathon every week this year for his wife who tragically died of a brain tumour, has launched the county's first official marathon in her memory.
Philip Anderson (43) from Brackaville in Coalisland suffered the devastating loss of his wife Mary in November.
He set up a charitable foundation in her name and embarked on the mammoth challenge of running a marathon every week during 2015.
The father-of-one has so far managed to complete 20 of his weekly 26-mile runs in aid of the foundation.
Last night an event was held in Carrickmore to announce details of a new marathon to be held in memory of his wife of 14 years.
Philip and Mary had only been married for 18 months when a tumour the size of a tennis ball was discovered near her brain stem.
Over the years it spread and Mary suffered painful seizures and a stroke that caused her to lose her speech and mobility.
But Mr Anderson said his wife remained strong and "selfless" throughout her ordeal.
He said he hoped his marathon challenge and the new official run would create "something positive" in her name.
"When I would have been doing these marathons and struggling to get to the finish line I always thought of Mary and the struggles that she had," he said.
"Every day was like a marathon, but she never complained and never said a word about it.
"That was the determination she had."
The couple's second wedding anniversary was spent in Royal Victoria Hospital's intensive care unit during an unsuccessful attempt to remove the tumour.
Mary lost her speech and ability to walk after suffering a stroke during the procedure in 2002, but managed to recover.
Mr Anderson described it as a "miracle" when she gave birth to their son Peter in 2004 despite being told it was unlikely she would ever have children.
However, regular hospital scans over the years showed her tumour was growing. Mary later lost her hearing and suffered seizures.
She died peacefully, aged 40, on November 13 last year – just nine days after Mr Anderson lost his mother Brigid (78) to bowel cancer.
"It has been extremely tough. For myself and Peter it is a very surreal experience because both of us lost our mothers at the same time," he said.
But Mr Anderson, who works with Carrickmore-based firm Grogan Environmental Solutions, said that throughout her ordeal Mary remained strong for her family.
"Those final couple of years were when I saw what courage and positivity were all about," he said.
"It was unreal to watch her in her final days she was up making breakfast and trying to make life as normal as possible for Peter and myself despite being very ill."
The Mary Anderson Foundation is aimed at helping local causes relating to child welfare, education and caring.
Tyrone Rose Victoria McNamee from Galbally is supporting the foundation as part of her involvement in this year's Rose of Tralee festival.
Mr Anderson said he was overwhelmed by the support he has received and praised those helping to organise the new marathon.
The Mary Anderson Colour Marathon on Sunday September 13 will start in Carrickmore and travel through Loughmacrory, Beragh and Sixmilecross before finishing at Carrickmore GAA ground.
It is believed to be the first ever chip-time full marathon to be held in Co Tyrone.
The marathon is being organised by the Carrickmore Rainbow Gateway Group, an organisation for young people with learning difficulties.
Chair Marissa McKernan said they were delighted to host the marathon.
"We're always looking for projects so this was a great project for our young people," she said.
"It will be a big achievement to organise the first marathon ever in Tyrone."
:: Visit maryandersoncolourmarathon.com to register for the marathon and facebook.com/maryandersonfoundation to follow the 52-marathon challenge
