Philip Russell from the Student Finance Team is preparing to take on the Dublin Marathon 2026 in aid of the Education Authority’s (EA) Charity of the Year, Air Ambulance Northern Ireland.

To support Philip’s fundraising efforts, the Student Finance Team in Armagh have organised a charity coffee morning, and staff are warmly invited to come along for cakes, coffee and conversation:

• Date: Wednesday 29th April 2026
• Time: 10am
• Location: Boardroom, EA Armagh Office

If you would like to support Philip’s fundraising, you can donate via JustGiving: Philip Russell is fundraising for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland

We caught up with Philip to learn more about his challenge and motivation.

Why are you taking on the Dublin Marathon for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland?

“I decided to take on the Dublin Marathon because running is something I genuinely enjoy, and completing this race has been a long-standing goal of mine. Dublin has such an incredible atmosphere, and I’ve always wanted to experience it from the start line, not just the sidelines.”

Philip has already completed the Belfast and Lisbon marathons in recent years and is excited to take on the streets of Dublin next. With his 60th birthday approaching in July, he wanted to mark the milestone with something memorable and meaningful.

“I’ve seen firsthand the incredible work Air Ambulance Northern Ireland does. I know people whose lives have been directly touched by their service. I’ve heard countless stories of how their rapid response truly makes a difference when every second counts.”

With Air Ambulance Northern Ireland being EA’s official Charity of the Year for 2025/26, the challenge holds even greater significance.

He also has his sights set on a personal goal:

“I’m chasing a qualifying time for a World Major Marathon at 60. Combining that ambition with a cause I care deeply about gives this challenge even more purpose.”

What challenges have you faced in your marathon training?

“I love running and the structure of marathon training, but this block hasn’t been without challenges. The biggest hurdle has been managing an injury I’ve had for several months.”

Balancing recovery with necessary training has required patience and discipline - not pushing too hard too soon, especially, as he puts it, “being no spring chicken.”

With the marathon not until October, he is still in the early stages of his plan. But even now, focusing on becoming injury‑free and ready for the more demanding phases ahead has strengthened his determination.

“Navigating injury recovery while keeping my goals in sight has required resilience. I’m more motivated than ever to be ready for the big day.”

What people should know about Air Ambulance Northern Ireland

“I wish everyone knew just how vital - and vulnerable - the service is. They save lives every day across Northern Ireland, yet rely heavily on public donations to keep the helicopter flying.”

From operating costs to staffing specialist medical teams, it takes significant funding to maintain the service. Even small donations contribute directly to saving lives when minutes matter most.

Message to those considering donating…

“I’ll be honest - I find it harder to ask for donations than to run a marathon. Running is something I do for myself, but doing it for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland gives it deeper meaning.”

Philip highlights that many people across Northern Ireland have some connection to the charity’s work- and that its vital service could be needed by any of us at any time.

“Air Ambulance Northern Ireland is EA’s chosen charity, and when I realised this, it felt like the perfect opportunity to achieve a personal goal while supporting a cause close to home.”

He also expressed appreciation for colleagues who have helped raise awareness, including those organising the upcoming coffee morning.

“My team in Student Finance have organised a fundraising coffee morning on Wednesday 29th April in the Boardroom in EA’s Armagh Office. It would be fantastic to see as many people there as possible.”

“Every donation, no matter the size, genuinely makes a difference. Your support helps keep the helicopter flying and the medical team ready for families who need them most. Your support means more than you know, and it’s hugely appreciated - not just by me, but by the countless people Air Ambulance Northern Ireland helps every year.”

Good luck, Philip!

We wish Philip the very best as he prepares for the Dublin Marathon and continues his fundraising journey for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland!