Run For Raff: In Memory of our dear friend Adrian Rafferty

Anyone who was lucky enough to know Adrian Rafferty aka Raff (and there were many), will agree he was a gentleman and always willing to put his shoulder to a friend’s request.

This is why 'Run for Raff' is taking place on the 27 December 2016. An opportunity at a very special time of the year to come together in solidarity and friendship and show you care for a good cause.

Adrian lost his year and half battle to leukaemia on the 21st September 2014. He didn't give up and fought right to the bitter end with dignity and strength.

He ran the race but just didn't make it to the finish line, so now we ask you to put on your running shoes and cross that finish line in memory of Raff.

Claudine Rafferty

John Cloughley was one of the many runners who participated in the Run For Raff last year.
John was battling cancer at the time and courageously participated in the 10k which he completed in an amazing time of 44 Mins.

John continued his battle with cancer but sadly passed away earlier this year. With this in mind we would like to dedicate this year's run to both John and Adrian, who are both fondly remembered within the community.

Below is a fitting tribute to John from his family who miss him dearly.

"John would be so chuffed to be included in this tribute to Adrian Rafferty. It is hard to believe that he will not be with us this year to take part in the 10K run."

"John loved being an active athlete and I know that being part of the Lough Key Triathlon Club added a new dimension to John's life and fulfilled his competitive spirit in many ways. He was truly happy in such a caring and dynamic group."

"I and my family will be there to actively participate and support such a good cause. It is a very fitting tribute to such inspirational men. We are heart broken and miss 'Our John' desperately."

The Cloughley Family

John at the start line of Run For Raff 2014

Event Details

Both the Walk and Road Run has been set out to be fun and less strenuous as possible. Everyone who takes part will thoroughly enjoy their day.
Light refreshments will available along the route as well as at the ending at The Railway Bar. Shower facilities available at Football field if needed.

10K Road Run

Registration in The Railway Bar from 10.45am to 11.30am.
The Run Starts at 12 Noon Sharp

The first 5K of the route is relatively flat (along the canal bank) but on the back straight there are a few small hills, but nothing too strenuous

Entry fee of £10
THIS EVENT IS NOT CHIPPED.

2.5 Mile Walk

The walk will start at the The Railway Bar and will head along the picturesque Canal Tow Path towards Acton Lake, with the midway point being the first Lock House, at which point you will turn around and head back towards Poyntzpass.
The route is on the flat surface and is ideal for families.

Entry Fee: £5 Single. £10 Family
Starts at 11.30am Approx 45min walk.

Supported Charities

Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI is the only charity in Northern Ireland solely dedicated to researching into the causes and possible cures of leukaemia, lymphoma and other haematological cancers.

All of the funds raised by the organisation remain in Northern Ireland to promote research.

Macmillan Cancer Support is one of the largest British charities and provides specialist health care, information and financial support to people affected by cancer. As well as helping with the medical needs of people affected by cancer, Macmillan also looks at the social, emotional and practical impact cancer can have, and campaigns for better cancer care.

Based at the heart of the Cancer Centre at Belfast City Hospital, the charity funds life-saving and life-changing projects that make a real and lasting difference to the lives of thousands of local people affected by cancer and in the last year alone, Friends of the Cancer Centre has put nearly £1.8 million back into the Cancer Centre.

Southern Area Hospice Services (SAHS) provides invaluable support and care to people living within the Southern Health Board Area, who are suffering from Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, Motor Neurone Disease and AIDS. Our aim is to provide the best quality of life for our patients and their families.

Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service

One of Adrian’s many greatest achievements was being a lifelong blood donor, in which he received his gold pin in 2013, just before being diagnosed with his illness. He could never have known how much he would come to rely on the vital help from the NIBTS that gave him the strength in his battle against Leukaemia.

Adrian encouraged many of his friends to become donors, during his illness, to help not only himself, but others in similar situations.

In Adrian’s memory we encourage you to do something amazing and sign up today and donate blood.