Peter's marathon effort in the USA raises £4,000 for Action Cancer

A Seymour Hill man has raised thousands of pounds for a local cancer charity by successfully completing the world's biggest marathon.
Peter Bell shows off his medal after completing the New York City Marathon in support of Action Cancer.Peter Bell shows off his medal after completing the New York City Marathon in support of Action Cancer.
Peter Bell shows off his medal after completing the New York City Marathon in support of Action Cancer.

Peter Bell was among a group of 18 runners from Northern Ireland who took on the New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 6 in support of Action Cancer.

The 41-year-old, who has been running for about five years, has previously taken part in the Belfast City Marathon four times.

He had a personal best of just over four hours, but managed to set a new PB in New York, covering the 26-mile course in a time of three hours, 56 minutes.

“It was absolutely incredible - I have never experienced anything like it in my life,” he told the Ulster Star.

“You run through all five boroughs and there are people lining every street.

“It was fantastic - the crowd really pulled me through. It was probably the best thing I have ever experienced.

“I am over the moon. It was the experience of a lifetime,” he said.

Peter revealed that a number of people in his family have been affected by cancer, but says he took the decision to take on the marathon challenge after seeing the good work of the Action Cancer Big Bus when it visited his work, Survitec Group in Dunmurry, earlier this year.

He had to raise a minimum of £2,850 for the charity in order to take part in the event, but thanks to the generosity of family, friends and even total strangers, he has already raised more than £4,000.

“My friends and family have been brilliant and I’ve had people I don’t even know coming up to me and handing me money. I can’t believe how generous people have been,” Peter added.

While the Seymour Hill man has already far exceeded his fundraising target, he’s keen to raise as much money as possible for Action Cancer.

Anyone who would like to support his fundraising effort can still do so by donating online at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/peter-bell18