Craigavon duo to take on Tokyo Marathon for the Southern Area Hospice Service
An ‘inspirational’ duo will run the 2025 Tokyo Marathon to raise ‘vital’ funds for Southern Area Hospice Services Northern Ireland. Bernie Austin and Michael Wheavil will take on the international challenge after Bernie’s own health scare left them: “determined to turn pain into power.”
Bernie and Michael, who attend St Peter’s Athletic Club, Lurgan, have already conquered the Dublin, Edinburgh and Chicago marathons together.
However, they were intent on fundraising for their Tokyo trip as: “ill health can affect anybody, including us, so supporting the work Southern Area Hospice do is so important".
Bernie, from Derrytrasna, was diagnosed with colon cancer in January 2024, after experiencing few symptoms.
“For me,” said Bernie, a hairdresser: “I can only speak about my own experience with cancer. I had no symptoms, but luckily made a full recovery.”
“However, others are not so blessed. That’s why the end-of-life services the Southern Area Hospice provide are so crucial to making those final months as easy as possible. Doing the Tokyo Marathon is our way of supporting this amazing service.”
The marathon, which will take place on March 2, 2025, is one of Asia’s largest marathons, and requires meticulous planning and training from all participants.
However, once Bernie got the all-clear from cancer, Michael was determined that they participate, and set up their JustGiving page in aid of the Southern Area Hospice Service.
“For the Tokyo Marathon, I had been in contact with the Fundraising Officer at the Southern Area Hospice, who helps coordinate these events” recalls Michael. “As soon as space became available to do the marathon, Bernie and I secured our spots with a donation.”
“All marathons are so time consuming, you’re running between 4-5 times a week, following a specific plan. But the hospice is so valuable, and the fundraising and efforts people go to truly does help. All marathons are strenuous – but it is worth it for this cause.”
So far, Bernie and Michael have raised £4,000 of their £18,000 target.
James McCaffrey, Senior Fundraising Officer at the Southern Area Hospice, commented on how this money is essential to the service: “The money raised will be used to continue to provide palliative care services to patients and their families, primarily in the Southern Trust Area.”
“We are delighted that Michael and Bernie have decided to take on the huge challenge and raise such significant funds for Southern Area Hospice.”
To support Bernie and Michael, their JustGiving page can be found at: ‘Michael and Bernie Fundraiser for Southern Area Hospice Services.’ The pair will also be fundraising at Tesco Extra, Newry on November 16, and emphasise, “no donation is too small.”
“End-of-life care is about ensuring dignity, comfort, and compassion during the most vulnerable moments of a person's life,” finished Bernie.
“By supporting this charity, you can help provide vital care to those facing terminal illness, offering them peace, support for their families, and relief from suffering. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference.”
‘Let’s come together to ensure that no one must face the end of their journey alone. Your support is more than a donation—it's a gift of comfort and humanity.”