Sinn Féin councillor Sandra Duffy has requested a mayoral reception for local runner and fundraiser, Dene Harley, following his recent 400-mile charity run.

In late June the Derry man commenced a ten-day, 400-mile charity run from Mizen, County Cork, to Malin, County Donegal, raising money for two charities: Men’s Action Network (MAN) and Foyle Search and Rescue.

During July's meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Health and Community Committee, councillor Duffy praised Mr Harley for raising awareness of men's mental health issues, and asked that Mayor Grace Uí Niallais hold a reception in honour if his achievement.

“He was also doing it to raise money for MAN and Foyle Search and Rescue, two charities that are really close to his heart, and I believe the fundraising link is still open if anybody wanted to donate," she added.

Dene Harley in his native Derry on the penultimate day of his epic challenge.

placeholder image — Dene Harley in his native Derry on the penultimate day of his epic challenge.

Derry man Dene received a hero’s welcome on the night of Sunday July 5 as he arrived at Ireland’s most northerly point having completed the epic 10 day challenge to raise funds for mental health charities.

“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.”

DUP alderman Niree McMorris, who chaired the Committee meeting, responded: “I'm sure officers will take it up with the Mayor, and I would assume she'll be delighted to host a reception.”

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.