Dene undertook an extraordinary task running from Mizen Head to Malin Head earlier this year, while raising funds and awareness for two local charities - Foyle Search and Rescue and Men's Action Network.
Congratulating Dene on his 400-mile charity run, Mayor Uí Niallais said: "It was a pleasure to welcome Dene Harley and his family to the Guildhall this week and recognise his incredible achievement of completing the Mizen Head to Malin Head Run. Not only did Dene take on this remarkable challenge, but he has also helped raise vital funds and awareness for local mental health charities.
"His determination, resilience and commitment to supporting others are truly inspiring. Congratulations, Dene, on an outstanding achievement."
Among those joining Dene and the Mayor at the Guildhall on Tuesday last were Dene’s wife, Joanne and his children Ben, Evie and Zoe.
In June Derry man Dene commenced the 400-mile charity run and he received a hero’s welcome as he arrived at Ireland’s most northerly point.
Dene Harley is well-known in Derry through his work as a lifestyle coach at Harley Fitness and as a High Needs Support Worker.
For the past five years he had also been running a successful Christmas toy appeal, with this past Christmas appeal the biggest yet.
The Derry father of three is also no stranger to a fitness challenge and has undertaken challenges to raise funds for fantastic facilities such as ARC Fitness and Foyle Search and Rescue.
The Mayor reception was proposed by Derry Sinn Féin Councillor Sandra Duffy.
“I travelled with Dene by car, following him on the last leg. My daughter ran it with him from Derry to Malin Head, which was 46 kilometres, so I have seen the struggle he had during that last leg and also his determination and elation as he got over the line.
“I have to say it was a really emotional moment for him, it was a mammoth task that he took on, and I propose that the Mayor hold a reception for Dene and acknowledge what he has done,” Colr. Duffy said.
1. WELL DONE DENE!. . . . .The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Grace Ui Niallais pictured on Tuesday evening at the Guildhall making a special presentation to Dene Harley in recognition of his remarkable achievement of completing the Mizen Head to Malin Head Run and his commitment to raising funds and awareness for local mental health charities. Included is Dene's wife Joanne and children, Ben, Evie and Zoe. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)
WELL DONE DENE!. . . . .The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Grace Ui Niallais pictured on Tuesday evening at the Guildhall making a special presentation to Dene Harley in recognition of his remarkable achievement of completing the Mizen Head to Malin Head Run and his commitment to raising funds and awareness for local mental health charities. Included is Dene's wife Joanne and children, Ben, Evie and Zoe. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography) Photo: Jim McCafferty Photography
2. WELL DONE DENE!. . . . .The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Grace Ui Niallais pictured on Tuesday evening at the Guildhall making a special presentation to Dene Harley in recognition of his remarkable achievement of completing the Mizen Head to Malin Head Run and his commitment to raising funds and awareness for local mental health charities.
WELL DONE DENE!. . . . .The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Grace Ui Niallais pictured on Tuesday evening at the Guildhall making a special presentation to Dene Harley in recognition of his remarkable achievement of completing the Mizen Head to Malin Head Run and his commitment to raising funds and awareness for local mental health charities. Photo: Jim McCafferty Photography
3. The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Grace Ui Niallais pictured on Tuesday evening at the Guildhall making a special presentation to Dene Harley in recognition of his remarkable achievement of completing the Mizen Head to Malin Head Run and his commitment to raising funds and awareness for local mental health charities. Included is Dene's wife Joanne, his children and family members. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)
The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Grace Ui Niallais pictured on Tuesday evening at the Guildhall making a special presentation to Dene Harley in recognition of his remarkable achievement of completing the Mizen Head to Malin Head Run and his commitment to raising funds and awareness for local mental health charities. Included is Dene's wife Joanne, his children and family members. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography) Photo: Jim McCafferty Photography
4. Dene Harley pictured at the Guildhall on Tuesday with his wife Joanne and his award recognising his remarkable achievement of completing the Mizen Head to Malin Head Run.
Dene Harley pictured at the Guildhall on Tuesday with his wife Joanne and his award recognising his remarkable achievement of completing the Mizen Head to Malin Head Run. Photo: Jim McCafferty Photography