5k event and rock night to remember Derry's Marian McFadden

A special run will take place in Derry on Thursday night in memory of a local woman who touched the hearts of so many in the city.
Marian McFadden with her friends.Marian McFadden with her friends.
Marian McFadden with her friends.

Marian McFadden passed away on February 8, and friends and family are holding the event to remember a woman who was “so full of life and loved by everyone.”

Marian’s 5k will begin at 7.30 p.m. on Thursday night (April 21) at the coffee shop along the Quay.

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Colleen Brown who was a friend of Marian’s and worked with her in Priceless on the Strand Road, described her as a woman who was loved by everyone.

“Even when she was sick Marian kept smiling,” she said. “The Foyle Hospice was very important to her and she was so well looked after in there. We just felt that we had to give something back.”

Thursday night’s race started out as something just close family and friends were going to do, however when word spread, organisers decided to make it a bigger event.

“I think Marian would be buzzing to hear that we are holding this event for her,” said Colleen. “Especially as the money raised will be going straight back to the Foyle Hospice.

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“At the end of her life the Foyle Hospice helped keep Marian comfortable and ease her pain. Marian did a lot of work herself to raise money for the charity.

“Marian would laugh at my running, she never wanted to run. But she loved climbing Mount Errigal. She would love the fact that we are doing this in memory of her.”

Thursday night’s event run by Colleen and Leona Mooney starts at 7.30 p.m. however to register please arrive no later than 7.10 p.m. There will be prizes for first and second places for men and women. For those who do not wish to do the 5k there will also be a 3k option.

“You can hop, jump, skip or run,” said Colleen. “We just want to see as many people as possible there on the day.

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“I know a lot of runners are training for longer runs at the minute and this event would be a perfect tempo run for them.”

It costs £5 to register for the event.

A second event will take place on Saturday 23rd April in memory of Marian. Local legends “KING RAT” will be playing alongside Mamas Boys legend “PAT MCMANUS & Band”.

For anyone that loves their rock music, this is not a night to be missed. Doors will open at 9pm and admission is £10. Tickets are available from Rafters off licence and a small number will be available on the door. All proceeds going to the Foyle Hospice.

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