Life

Mum and dad taking on marathon fun run for Mencap NI and son Odhran

Claire McStravick and Laurence Stitt with their son Odhran
Claire McStravick and Laurence Stitt with their son Odhran Claire McStravick and Laurence Stitt with their son Odhran

CLAIRE McStravick, from Dunmurry in Belfast, and her fiancé Laurence Stitt, are among several hundred people taking part in the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon in aid of learning disability charity Mencap NI – and their two-year-old son Odhran.

Odhran attends the Mencap Children’s Centre in Belfast, a unique learning environment for children with a learning disability, autism and global developmental delay, which is run in partnership with the Belfast Health Trust.

“Odhran just loves coming to the Mencap Children’s Centre. He cheers when we pull up in the car and has to say hello to everyone when he walks in," Claire says. "They have really helped Odhran so much. He has his own personality and is quite a character.”

A sociable, fun, mischievous boy, who loves playing football and hide and seek with his three older sisters, Odhran was diagnosed with Down’s Syndrome after birth, when complications were noticed with his breathing, heart and swallowing.

Claire (30) and Laurence (37) are taking part in the Fun Run at the Belfast City Marathon to raise money in support of the Mencap Children’s Centre, in recognition of the difference the charity has made to their son.

Last year more than 1,300 participants took part in the Belfast City Marathon for team Mencap, raising over £80,000 for the charity. There's still time to join the team for this year’s event – but race entry closes at midnight on Friday so be fast.

:: For more information on Mencap and its services call teh Mencap’s Helpline 0808 808 1111 or see mencap.org.uk/ni; join #TeamMencap and take part in this year's Belfast City Marathon on Sunday May 5 at northernireland.mencap.org.uk/event/deep-riverrock-belfast-city-marathon-2019. Closing date is Friday April 12.