The Fast Ferrys on the run for Parkinson’s UK!

Thursday April 25th 2024

The Rev Malcolm Ferry, rector of Agherton Parish, Portstewart, will be taking a break from preaching on Sunday May 5, and along his wife Carol will be cheering on family members taking part in the Belfast Marathon.

Their niece Vicky will be running the full marathon, while their daughters Sarah and Rebekah, along with El, fiancé of their son James, Sarah’s fiancé Max and Vicky’s boyfriend Ed will be doing the marathon relay. Their team name – the Fast Ferrys!

All are raising funds for Parkinson’s UK, a charity close to the heart of everyone in the family as Carol was diagnosed with the condition 20 years ago. Not only has the family seen first- hand the debilitating impacts of Parkinson’s, but also what research can do. Carol has got her life back following life-changing Deep Brain Stimulation surgery in 2022 and is now able to enjoy dinners with friends and travel abroad; things that were a challenge or impossible before her surgery.

All six young people taking part in the marathon currently live in England and are flying to Belfast specifically for the race. “This came out of the blue for us,” said Malcolm. It was really quite a shock. They have already raised more than £4,000 for Parkinson’s UK. That is a phenomenal amount of money! This is their way of giving something to the charity. I am very proud of them all.”