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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Connor Lynch

NI men walking around the UK and Ireland complete 17 marathons in 13 days

Two men who are walking around the UK and Ireland for a veterans charity have completed 17 marathons over the past 13 days.

Ian Reid and Connor Ferguson are taking part in the Big Dander Around the UK and Ireland for veterans charity Beyond the Battlefield, which will see them walk and run over 600 miles in 17 days.

The pair have been taking part in the journey since Thursday, May 26, when they left Stormont surrounded by friends, family and local celebrities and representatives.

Read more: 'Big Dander around the UK and Ireland' sets off from Stormont

So far they have made their way from Cairnryan in Scotland to Holyhead in Wales after passing through the North West coast of England.

Speaking to Belfast Live as they made their way to Holyhead, Ian Reid said: "We can't believe that we have made it this far already, the whole thing has just flew in.

"The first few days had been a bit tough for us getting used to the amount of miles we were doing each day, but now it feels like we are just getting stronger and stronger doing 50 mile days.

"Connor's ankles are beginning to swell a bit and he is having to ice them every night, but that is something we were expecting and it has not stopped us at all.

"It has been great passing through the towns having their Jubilee celebrations and we had a special meeting with the Lord Mayor of Liverpool over of the weekend. We were even joined by Charlie Lawson for a couple of miles as we passed through Chester.

"We are looking forward to returning back to Stormont on Saturday afternoon and as well as a nice journey up the east coast when we arrive in Dublin on Tuesday.

"We just want to thank everyone who has supported us so far and for all the donations, we are so grateful for everyone's help."

Last year Ian and Connor took part in the 'Big Dander Around Our Wee Country' where they raised over £22,000 after walking around NI in the space of 12 days, smashing their target of £10,000.

The money they raised has been used to help establish a veteran's retreat in Portavogie which is due to open in the coming months. This year's fundraising efforts will also contribute to the development of the centre.

Along with walking hundreds of miles in aid of the charity, Connor and Ian have also set up the Big Dander Coffee Company which donates a percentage of its takings to local mental health and PTSD charities.

If you would like to donate to Connor and Ian's campaign, please follow this link.

Read more: Two men to take on 'even bigger dander' around the UK and Ireland for armed forces charity

Read more: 10-year-old marathon runner to walk from Carrickfergus to Portavogie for veterans charity

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