“I hope this run shows that no matter how far gone you feel, there’s always a way back.”
A man from Co Antrim has completed an ultramarathon to give back to the charity that helped him turn his life around.
Matthew Haughey took on the mammoth run from Belfast to Newry by himself, almost two years to the day since he presented at Cuan Mhuire, homeless and with an alcohol addiction.
The route followed that same journey he made in August 2023, with the Newtownabbey man spending Sunday evening after the run speaking with those currently in treatment to answer their questions and share his story.
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Speaking to Belfast Live after completing the impressive feat, Matthew said: “To finish at Cuan Mhuire, where my recovery began, was incredibly emotional.
“Every step reminded me of the people still fighting their battles, and I hope this run shows that no matter how far gone you feel, there’s always a way back.”
Two years after his treatment, Matthew has his own home and a career in finance, and is hoping his story will be able to help those who find themselves in a similar position. He is aiming to raise £5,000 for Cuan Mhuire, which will help take three people off the streets.
The 28-year-old began running after his treatment as a way to keep disciplined. One year after a road crash in which he broke his femur in half and had to have a metal road placed in it, he ran Belfast City Marathon, saying it was “a very emotional day.”
Ahead of taking on his 41 mile fundraising ultramarathon, Matthew told us: “For me, taking on this ultramarathon feels like a form of atonement. It’s a very full circle moment that I have overcome, I’ve thrived under real difficulty, and not let it overcome and consume me.
“Sometimes I don’t recognise the person I see in old photos, I’m still a bit shocked to see how bad it got. I’m incredibly thankful to all those people who offered their kindness, support, and the time to help me get to the position I’m in.
“I want this to be a message for anyone who feels like there’s no way out, I want to do this for them to show them there is a life after drink, there is a life in recovery.”
If you would like to donate to Matthew’s fundraiser for Cuan Mhuire, you can do so by clicking here. You can find out more about the services provided by Cuan Mhuire here.
Anyone who needs to talk to someone about mental health issues can call the Samaritans on 116123 or Lifeline on 0808 808 8000. For addiction treatment and support services, click here.
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