Co Tyrone woman set to run 12-hours to raise funds for disabled son's new wheelchair
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Jessica Conway says her 17-year-old son Tristan loves being out doors but the battery operated chair they use runs out of power after a few hours.
The Ardboe woman is a keen runner having taken part in marathons - including the recent Belfast Marathon - and half marathons to stay fit.
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Hide Ad"I'm not a speedy runner and do it more for my mental health," she explained. "It's very difficult to get people to look after Tristan when I go out so that's why I want to get a wheelchair that would allow him to come too."
![Jessica Conway pictured with Tristan. Jessica is planning to run 12 hours to raise funds to buy Tristan a new wheelchair so he can come with her on training runs. Credit: Submitted](https://www.northernirelandworld.com/webimg/b25lY21zOjA0OTlkMzUyLWRlMzctNGJkYy1iYWQ5LTVmY2IyNTQ2MmRmNjoxNmNlODFiYS04ODBjLTQ0ZmMtYTA0ZC0wMjk5Y2FkMzdkYmY=.jpg?crop=3:2,smart&trim=&width=640&quality=65)
![Jessica Conway pictured with Tristan. Jessica is planning to run 12 hours to raise funds to buy Tristan a new wheelchair so he can come with her on training runs. Credit: Submitted](/img/placeholder.png)
Jessica has entered The Florida Endurance Challenge in the grounds of Florida Manor, Killinchy, on Saturday (May 18).
"The challenge is for three, six or 12 hours so being mad I picked 12 hours," she joked.
A full time carer and single mum Jessica has four children to look after.
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Hide AdTristan has autism and is non verbal with severe global development issues.
A Justgiving page has been set up with a target of £5,000 and so far more than £600 has been raised. Visit: Weʼre raising £5,000 to Enable Tristan to get his running wheelchair
Jessica’s run starts at 8am on Saturday and she hopes to complete it even after breaking a toe in the run up to the Belfast Marathon.
She got round the 26-mile course by strapping her toes together and will face this Saturday’s challenge with the same grit and determination.