Olga's marathon task for Tiny Tots

Olga McAteer and her nine-year-old daughter Orlaith.

Olga McAteer is taking on the 26 mile circuit around the City of Light in order to raise funds for Tiny Tots Preschool Centre in Toomebridge.

Olga said: “This will be my second marathon as I completed Dublin back in October 2016 running for the charity Women’s Aid.

“When running a marathon I feel it is so much more worthwhile to run for a charity as it makes the physical, emotional and mental journey easier and knowing that you are doing good for local children will make it special this year.

“I built up my training gradually each week until I peaked at 22 miles, just something very similar to my Dublin Marathon training. I also joined Operation Transformation in Moneyglass to help boost my fitness and drop a few pounds.

“Eating a healthy diet and remaining focused will be key to hopefully no injuries on the big day!”

Olga stresses that she has paid for her flights, accommodation and race entry fee by herself so that: “Every penny I raise will go to Tiny Tots Charity”.

Mum to nine-year-old Orlaith, Olga has set herself a target of raising £2,000 for the Tiny Tots.

“Tiny Tots Preschool Centre is a feeder school for Milequarter, Moneynick, Anahorish and Toome Primary Schools,” she explained.

“The preschool centre has been established since 1986 and depend on donations and fundraising. It is a very important part of our local community.

“The money raised will be spent on enhancing the Outdoor Play Area by purchasing an all-weather canopy to allow children to play outside, plus outdoor boards rubbed down and repainted.

“Tiny Tots hope to also buy outdoor sports equipment such as football nets, balls, etc as the parish priest allows them to use the chapel grounds to play in. “Outdoor play is so important today as so many of our children are now engrossed with computer games and other hand-held gadgets.

“We need to encourage more outdoor activity for the health and well-being of our young children,” added Olga.

You can support Olga’s efforts this Sunday by sponsoring her via her JustGiving page https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/olga-mcateer-tiny-tots