Cloghan native plans Mizen to Malin run

Cloghan native Malcolm McLoughlin begins a very special journey this weekend. On Sunday, he will launch his attempt to run from Mizen to Malin Head in just six days to raise awareness of autism and money for autism charities in Ireland and France. Now living in France with his wife Alicia, son Dylan and daughter Pearl, Malcolm began his campaign - Running for Pearl - when his daughter was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in 2009. "The feedback from strangers and friends alike has touched our family deeply and this caring spirit has inspired me to constantly raise my game and seek out new challenges all the time," Malcolm said. A runner only because he agreed one Saturday night to go running with his wife's uncle the morning after, Malcom said every step he takes is now for his daughter. "Every stride is made in the name of Autism and I am only getting warmed up." Malcolm's running journey in Ireland next week is 570km, the equivalent of 14 marathons. Recent tendon problems mean he won't start with quite as much training under his belt as he'd like. Another personal setback was the death of his 92 year old grandmother from Ballycumber last Tuesday week. He now plans to dedicate his run to her, and honour her with an unbreakable spirit in trying to achieve it. Malcolm will run through Cloghan and Ferbane on his six day journey. Messages of goodwill and donations can be made on his website, www.runningforpearl.com.