Shakeel Gillespie, a 27-year-old father from near Dernawilt in Newtownbutler, plans to run a marathon distance this Sunday. The run coincides with the London Marathon and supports Willowbridge School.

Gillespie lives with his wife Yazemin and their children Reuben, aged five, and Brooke, aged three. Both children received diagnoses last year of DOCK3, a rare neurobiological disorder with six to eight known UK cases.

Gillespie reduced his weight by 12 stone to 15 stone 4 pounds over the past year. He started the effort after learning his children might face challenges with walking, talking, feeding, and dressing independently.

The run begins in Knox, passes his childhood home and his late mother's resting place, goes through Lisnaskea and Maguiresbridge, and ends at the jetties beside Erneside in Enniskillen. This year marks 10 years since his mother's death.

The fundraiser has collected over £2,100 for Willowbridge School, which supports his family. Gillespie works driving 100 miles daily, studies part-time, and trains two to three times weekly with one strength session.

He completed two half marathons in preparation.