FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                                         Contact: Anne Donegan
                                                  Media Relations Officer
                                                  Belfast City Council
                                                  028 9027 0646
                                                  

        May shows a clean pair of heels to back Marathon Charity


Local housewife May McFettridge today threw her weight behind the campaign 
to raise money for Belfast City Marathon's nominated charity, the 
Meningitis Trust.

The woman, who usually exercises nothing but her mouth, was encouraged to 
put on a pair of trainers and t-shirt to demonstrate how it might be done 
during the big event on the May Day Bank Holiday next year. 

Chairman of the Belfast City Marathon Organising Committee, Mr Danny 
O’Connor, said: "The Belfast City Marathon is a great fund raiser for all 
local charities but as our nominated charity for 2005 we hope the 
Meningitis Trust will benefit greatly from the support of runners who might 
not otherwise think of raising money for a local charity.

"The Marathon is a testing event for everyone involved and how much more 
satisfactory it is to get to the end of a 26mile course and know you have 
not just completed a personal achievement but have boosted the coffers of a 
local charity and therefore your local community. This year's runners 
raised more than £130,000 for the nominated charity I think we will be 
looking to do as well, if not better in 2005.

"Meningitis is a frightening illness whether it strikes a child or adult 
and I am pleased that the Meningitis Trust has been nominated as our 
official charity. I hope those who are currently preparing for the marathon 
will take on board this further challenge to back a really good cause."

Fiona Cunningham, the Northern Ireland Manager of the Meningitis Trust 
said: "We are delighted to be nominated as the official charity and look 
forward to working with the Marathon Organising Committee to maximise the 
opportunity offered. I know Marathon Day is always a great day of team 
spirit and individual achievement we are looking forward to being part of 
it."

The last word as always went to May McFettridge who said: "Get your 
trainers out from wherever they are stashed and put them to good use. Help 
us raise a wee fortune for the Meningitis Trust."

The 24th Belfast City Marathon takes place on Monday, May 2 2005.  For 
further information visit the Northern Ireland section of the Meningitis 
Trust website www.meningitis-trust.org or call Linda Alexander on 0845 1200 
664.

 
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