Morrow family from Co Londonderry taking on Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon in memory of father Brendan

The family and friends of the late Brendan Morrow from Kilrea, who died from prostate cancer in 2012, are running the 40th Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon to commemorate his 10-year anniversary and raise funds for Cancer Focus NI.
By Helen McGurk
Published 26th Apr 2022, 12:28 BST
Updated 26th Apr 2022, 12:45 BST
The Morrow family - the late Brendan, Siobhan, and children, middle: Clare and Liam and, front, Deirdre, Therese and DermotThe Morrow family - the late Brendan, Siobhan, and children, middle: Clare and Liam and, front, Deirdre, Therese and Dermot
The Morrow family - the late Brendan, Siobhan, and children, middle: Clare and Liam and, front, Deirdre, Therese and Dermot

Brendan’s wife Siobhan described the father-of-five as a “very well thought of man”.

“He was a quiet man but quite a character, he said I always did the talking!

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“In March 2010 Brendan started to complain of a pain in his hip, following a consultation we were informed that it was prostate cancer which had spread to the bone. He was put on a hormone treatment at first and then had to undergo radiotherapy and chemotherapy at Belfast City Hospital for six months.

“In October 2011, Brendan was able to walk one of his daughters down the aisle. A precious memory that we will never forget.

“In November 2011, he started a trial drug Abiraterone. However, in March 2012 we were told that his next option was palliative care.”

Siobhan added: “Brendan didn’t want any nurses in for home help, our niece who is now a cancer specialist nurse and family took care of him at home.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Sadly, on May 18, 2012, Brendan passed away with all his family by his side.

“Our first grandchild was born the following August which gave our family a little boost. We now have 10 grandchildren, and they are all a blessing, it breaks my heart that he has missed out on them growing up.”

Now 10 years on and to commemorate his anniversary, the Morrow family and friends are taking on the challenge of the Belfast City Marathon this Sunday, May 1.

Siobhan said: “Brendan’s sons and son-in-law are doing the full marathon and five relay teams are filled with his daughters, daughters-in-law, the wider family and friends. Everyone is out and about training in the lead up to the big day. I plan to be at the finish line welcoming them all with our grandchildren.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Explaining why they chose the Belfast City Marathon, Siobhan said: “Our niece Aine, who took care of Brendan suggested that we could raise money for Cancer Focus NI by taking part in the Belfast City Marathon. We know that most families out there will have had someone who has been affected by cancer. We chose this event because Brendan’s 10 year anniversary is this May and they both coincided with each other.”

So far the family has raised more than £12,500 for the charity. To donate visit: https://eventmaster.ie/fundraising/pages/AM45817751/?fbclid=IwAR1gGjfTVNFdhrEMNo8x_j4sxRTfHOiHEjfztOBnlo0cDERFjZlVlm_V4nU

Related topics:Kilrea

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.