Life

Matthew's cheering on his mum and MenCap in Belfast City Marathon

Matthew Lovett will be cheering on his parents, who are running a leg of the relay in this year’s Belfast City Marathon
Matthew Lovett will be cheering on his parents, who are running a leg of the relay in this year’s Belfast City Marathon Matthew Lovett will be cheering on his parents, who are running a leg of the relay in this year’s Belfast City Marathon

WITH the Belfast City Marathon fast approaching, a Co Antrim mum is among those preparing to take part in aid of learning disability charity Mencap.

Laura Lovett’s eight-year-old son Matthew, who has Down’s Syndrome, attended Mencap’s children’s centre in at its former home on Belfast’s Annadale Avenue. The centre, for children aged two to three, is now located within Mencap’s state-of-the-art centre in Newtownbreda.

“The marathon is a fun and active way to raise money for Mencap, so that other children like Matthew can avail of their expert support,” says Laura who has organised four relay teams, with backing from members of Belfast Ladies netball club, to raise funds for Mencap.

“Mencap built an invaluable foundation for Matthew in his early years. His development into a sociable, lively and loving young boy was down to the dedication and support that he received from the Mencap staff."

:: The 2018 Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon takes place on Monday May 7; to sign up in support of Mencap for the marathon, Team Relay, 8 Mile Walk or Fun Run events and #MoveIt4Mencap, email fundraising.ni@mencap.org.uk or call 028 90 691351.