A Belfast man will run six marathons this year to raise money for a charity that helped his family after their son was diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Paul Boyle's teenage son Sean, was diagnosed with a tumour last year, after experiencing frequent dizziness and seeking medical support.
Sean, who lives on the Ormeau Road, was just 16 when he was told the devastating news.
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Speaking to Belfast Live, his dad said: "From the diagnosis, he had the tumour removed in November and he was recovering from that. He went through intensive radiotherapy and is now going through chemotherapy. We are hoping he will be finished chemotherapy at around June or July time.
"Sean's story is actually very similar to that of Matthew Bell, the Ireland hockey player. Matthew recently played a hockey match after doctors were unsure if he'd ever walk again. Matthew's story gives us hope for our son.
"We are incredible proud of Sean. He is so determined and is just a great young man."
Paul will run six different marathons within the space of six months, with all money raised going to the Children's Cancer Unit Charity.
The Children's Cancer Unit Charity supports the work of the medical team and staff at the Children’s Cancer Unit at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, and are still helping the Boyle family through Sean's recovery.
Over £9,000 has been raised in the last week, by friends, family and strangers who have been inspired by Sean's story.
"Being in the Children's Hospital, in the Cancer Unit, you get to meet other parents who are going through it too. The support provided for the families here is incredible. The rooms are catered for families, a kitchen for meals to be cooked, it's just amazing.
"We have really been overwhelmed by the support of everyone, the medical team are just fantastic, the support staff, the ambulance driver, he is actually Sean's best mate now, he calls in every day to see him. Everyone has gone the extra mile.
"For that, I'll be running a marathon next week in Boston, the Belfast City Marathon in May, Derry in September, Dublin in October and then in November I'll run the last one in New York.
"I thought this was a great opportunity to raise awareness for the charity because it is so close to home now. I want to raise awareness for them and to give back. I run marathons with a hurl on my head, it is unusual but it gets attention!
"We are keeping this fundraiser open until I finish the last marathon in November. We have only been raising money for one week and we sitting at over £5,000. We are encouraging people to keeping donating, there is no limit at all.
"We are blown away by the response so far and want to thank each and every person who has donated, however big or small."
To donate to Paul's fundraiser for CCUC, please follow the link here.
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