A FERMANAGH man recently faced the biggest challenge of his life, overcoming a back injury, depression and subsequent weight gain to complete the Galway Bay Marathon in aid of a charity close to his heart.

Seven years ago, in 2014, Alan Taylor sustained a back injury and wasn't able to work for seven months, or even to go for a short walk.

"Depression set in and the weight piled on. At my heaviest I was nearly 19 stone," he explained.

In December, 2015, Alan got a scare on the operating table.

"The doctor told me I had to lose weight. In January, 2016, I joined Slimming World with Pauline Taggart.

"I lost more than four stone and in July, 2017, I joined 'Couch to 5K' in Derrygonnelly, organised by Caroline Greene.

"This is where I found my love for running and exercise. I was asked what was my goal – I said: 'To run a 5K non-stop in under 30 minutes', and I smashed it," he said, noting that in 2018, a running group was set up in Derrygonnelly.

"Derrygonnelly Running Group is where I met Mary Rutledge, who showed us all that no matter how you feel or look, you can run.

"I have met some really inspirational people who love to run," added Alan, who turned 50 in May, and decided to sign up for the biggest running challenge of his life.

On October 2, he completed the Galway Bay Marathon in aid of NI Chest Heart & Stroke, a charity that provides expert care and support to anyone at risk of, or currently living with, chest, heart and stroke conditions.

"I did it for NI Chest Heart & Stroke, which was in memory of my father. He passed away three years ago and he would have suffered several strokes throughout his life.

"It's just a charity that was close to my heart," said Alan, who raised a total of £1,172.50 for the charity.

Talking about the feeling of accomplishment on crossing the finish line, Alan told this newspaper: "Adrenaline just kicks in and you think, 'What have I just done?'

"Then the emotion hits you and the tears start flowing, and you realise what you've done, and the accomplishment of it. You're looking forward then to see what you can do again.

"Thanks also to my wife, Ann Taylor, who has always believed and supported me in everything I do. I don't know what I'd do without her," he added.

Following his success with the Galway Bay Marathon, Alan has plans to take on FEARmanagh next year.

"I have actually started training to take part in FEARmanagh. That's got your running, cycling and canoeing.

"Seven years ago, I would never have done any exercise, and a couple of wee scares got me going. Running is a great way to clear your head and keep fit," said Alan.

Jackie Trainor, Director of Income Generation at NI Chest Heart & Stroke, said: “We are very thankful to Alan for running the Galway Bay Marathon in support of NI Chest Heart & Stroke.

"It might surprise you, but almost 90 per cent of our funds come from public donations, so fundraising efforts like Alan’s are vital for our charity and what we can achieve.

"The money raised from fundraising challenges like Alan’s enables us to continue to support the local community and provide life-changing services for people living with chest, heart and stroke conditions and their families.

"We would like to congratulate Alan on completing the Galway Bay Marathon – what an achievement!”