Inspirational Ryan to take on second charity marathon

A county Derry man who beat cancer three times as a child says he wants to do more to help other cancer sufferers. Ryan McCaul, from Drum, outside Dungiven, has faced more challenges in his 29 years than most people will in a lifetime. As a small child, Ryan survived cancer three times. He also beat meningitis twice and was in a coma for almost a month after he was involved in a car crash 11 years ago. As a result of the accident, Ryan lost his hearing however four years later he underwent cochlear implant surgery and regained hearing. Despite all this, Ryan remains upbeat and is thankful for everything he has. Next month, Ryan is planning to take on the Chicago Marathon, one of the six World Marathon Majors, to raise vital funds for the Action Cancer charity. This will be Ryan’s second marathon – last year he ran the New York Marathon and managed to raise an impressive £4,500 for the same charity. “I would love to run all six major marathons, New York last year, Chicago this year, then maybe Boston next year. Berlin, London and Tokyo are the others,” he said. Now, determined Ryan aims to raise a further £2,000 before taking on his latest challenge on October 11. He also hopes to beat last year’s time of three hours, 56 minutes. Over the last few months Ryan, a CAD technician with E&I Engineering Ltd in Burnfoot, Co. Donegal, has been pounding the roads in and around Drum in an effort to prepare for the 26.2 mile run. The former pupil of St Patrick’s College, Maghera says he is inspired by all those who are battling cancer. “I had cancer as a child so I really feel for people who have it, especially kids,” he said. “I know how important it is to have the support from the likes of Action Cancer so I want to do my bit to help save lives.” In an effort to boost funds, Ryan has organised a pub quiz to take place in the Recreation Club in Limavady on Friday, October 2 from 8pm. Donations can also be made via Ryan’s Just Giving page – www.justgiving.com/Ryan-McCaul1