Big-hearted Strabane man Jason Pollock has raised over £2,000 for the North West Cancer Centre in Altnagelvin as he prepares to run the Dublin Marathon in memory of his uncle Mark Sharkey.

The fundraiser comes weeks after Mr. Sharkey’s untimely death from cancer, and the diagnosis of his cousin, Mickey Walsh, with the disease at just 30 years of age.

Over £2,100 has been raised already towards a £3,000 target that will help the Derry cancer centre continue providing care for patients across the North West.

The gruelling run on October 25 will be the first Jason has attempted. And it may be his last, he jokes, but it is all for a brilliant cause.

placeholder image — The late Mark Sharkey.

Jason lost his much loved uncle Mark aged just 64 on June 19. A well-known figure in the town he recently served as President of Strabane Golf Club.

He was also faced with confirmation that his cousin had been diagnosed with late stage lung cancer.

“In recent weeks there has been some sad news within my family,” Jason explains, “Firstly the passing of the legend, uncle Mark ‘The Shark’ Sharkey who fought bravely against cancer.”

“Secondly, the news came out that my cousin, Mickey Walsh has been diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer at just the age of 30. Treatment from the NW Cancer centre will be vital for Mickey as he starts his battle,” he adds.

Jason Pollock is set to run his first marathon in Dublin to raise funds for the North West Cancer Centre in memory of his uncle Mark Sharkey.

Jason has set up a GoFund Me page to gather donations ahead of his marathon run. It has already raised over £2,100.

However, ‘every penny will help this fantastic service provide crucial care for anyone currently battling cancer’. To donate visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/dublin-marathon-fundraiser-for-nw-cancer-centre