Runners everywhere are being urged to sign up their own ‘dream team’ to take part in Belfast City Marathon relay on May 5 and raise vital cash for Cancer Focus Northern Ireland.

“The marathon is a fabulous fun event with a brilliant buzz – it’s a fantastic day out for your family and friends. We’re calling on individuals, businesses, clubs, gym buddies, groups of friends and everyone else to join in the fun by signing up and running a relay of the marathon for us,” said Maeve Colgan, Head of Income Generation at Cancer Focus.

“The much-needed cash you raise will go towards our Keeping Well van, a mobile cancer prevention unit that brings important health checks and cancer awareness to community venues and workplaces around Northern Ireland, with the aim of lowering everyone’s risk of getting cancer.

“Your sponsorship money will keep our van on the road, so please, get your team together and get signed up. Every donation you make, no matter how small, is crucial – and remember, every penny you give stays in Northern Ireland,” Maeve added.

“Even if you’ve never run before, a leg of the relay is a very doable target to set yourself. Cancer Focus also has a Focus Fit app to help with your training so you can hit the ground running. The app is available for download, free of charge, from the Apple App Store – www.focusfitapp.com.

“Or if you prefer, run the whole marathon, walk eight miles or take part in the fun run. We’d love you to put your best foot forward for us - you can even do it in fancy dress!”

Cancer Focus also has a wide range of other services including one-to-one and group support for people with cancer, family support, counselling, bra-fitting service, walking groups, creative writing, art therapy and life-coaching. More can be found on www.cancerfocusni.org.

For more information please call the Cancer Focus Marathon Team on 028 9068 0754 and 028 9068 0765 or emailbelfastmarathon@cancerfocusni.org. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @CancerFocusNI