Breda Cunningham and Rosie Mallon from Blackwatertown in County Armagh ran the New York City Marathon on 2 November 2025. They completed the race to honour their mothers, Bridie Dobbin and Pat Connolly, who died after strokes. The run supported Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke (NICHS).

The pair raised £8,179.50 through marathon donations, a coffee morning, quiz and raffle in Blackwatertown. Over £3,000 came from the coffee morning. St Jarlath’s Primary School held a non-uniform day with pupils and staff donating.

Training began in July 2025 with Orchard County Runners providing support on runs. Cunningham and Mallon, both over 60, had run the Dublin Marathon previously.

Niall Smyth, NICHS Events Co-Ordinator, thanked them for the funds. He noted that nearly 90% of NICHS work relies on public donations to assist stroke-affected people and families in Northern Ireland.

Smyth promoted 2026 races including Dublin half marathon for fundraisers, with NICHS offering places and support.