BY CONNOR SHARKEY
RUNNING your first marathon at the age of 59 may sound like madness to most people, but that is precisely what lies ahead of one Strabane man when he heads for Dublin next week.
Three years ago, Kevin Boyle was diagnosed with cancer of the prostate.
It was a major shock to the fitness enthusiast and his family, however due to the early detection of the disease, he was able to have his prostate removed.
This coming Monday, in a bid to acknowledge the medical team that helped him and to raise awareness of the condition, Kevin will run the gruelling Dublin Marathon.
Taking up his remarkable story, Kevin explained: "I always tried to keep in shape, even before I was diagnosed with cancer.
"I regularly played football and things like that, but after I was diagnosed with cancer and went through the operation and recovery, I took up circuit training. Last year, a member of our circuit training group passed away from breast cancer, so a few of us decided to get involved in fundraising.
"Originally, we did a four kilometre run in Omagh, then the Strabane 10K and the Derry Half Marathon. Collections and fundraisers isn't something I would usually get into, but because I went through cancer myself, I felt it was important to acknowledge the people who helped me.
"Prostate cancer is an illness that doesn't get that much publicity, but it is the second biggest killer in men in Northern Ireland, so I thought I would try and raise awareness of that," he explained.
Kevin will form part of an eight strong group of runners from Strabane who will take on the 26 mile trip on Monday. To date, he has raised in excess of £1,500 for his chosen charity.
"When I was ill, the help I received was tremendous. I was given so much advice and support and by running the marathon, I feel that I'm doing a bit of good and giving something back.
"On top of that, I want to publicise how important early detection is. That is what saved me and now I'm enjoying life and living it to the full," he said.
Many of the donations have been received through Kevin's customers at Melmount Post Office where his employed.
Looking forward to the marathon and thanking everyone who gave so generously, Kevin said: "The group have been working together preparing hard for Monday. I'm a bit nervous but hopefully the crowd will help us over the line. It has been hard work but enjoyable.
"Almost everyone who came into the post office has given something and I've already exceeded my £1,500 target. It is very much appreciated and I'm very grateful. All the money is going to a very worthy cause."
So following Monday's task, will Kevin be setting sights on the London Marathon or even New York Marathon?
"I think I'll see how this one goes before I make any decisions," he smiled.
