Former mica campaigner swaps dodgy blocks for starting blocks with charity run

One of Inishowen’s most prominent former defective housing campaigners is swapping the dodgy blocks for the starting blocks, as he takes on his first half-marathon for charity this summer.

Michael Doherty [Turas] is set to run the Waterford Viking Marathon in June, with all the proceeds going towards the Foyle Hospice.

The Culdaff man plans to retire from his job of 25 years at Seagate on March 27 – and his inaugural half-marathon challenge is one of the healthy goals he has already set himself to keep active post-work.

Former Mica Action Group activist Michael, who has since demolished and rebuilt his own home, explains why he has opted to support the Foyle Hospice.

“Seagate and Derry have been good to me and many others, providing people in Derry and Donegal with more than 1,600 high-quality jobs, even now, as we speak.”

“We have had a strong partnership with the Foyle Hospice over the years, and I'd like to dedicate this last event to them as I'll no doubt be doing things again in the future for Donegal charities, which have also been generously supported by the people of Derry in the past.”

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It will actually be a family affair down in Waterford, as Michael will be travelling to the event with son Dean, a former All-Ireland boxing champion, who will be taking on a full marathon on the same day as his dad.

Michael is already in training for the upcoming challenge, and he’s asking for support for the cause, with all donations, of any size, gratefully accepted.

“And if you see me out running along the road over the next few months, please give me a 'toot' as you go by, because I can assure you, things out there are not as easy as they used to be!” he smiled.

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