Miles with meaning: Ballymena man honoured for remarkable charity runs

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford pictured with Darren Tweed, wife Amber, and son Jack at Mayoral reception to recognise Darren's extraordinary commitment to fundraising.

A Ballymena man whose personal journey has inspired extraordinary fundraising efforts has been formally recognised by the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim after completing a remarkable 100km charity run.

Darren Tweed was honoured at a special reception hosted by Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, in recognition of his commitment to supporting charities that help children and young people with additional needs and their families.

Over recent years, Darren has undertaken a series of demanding physical challenges to raise vital funds and awareness for organisations supporting families across the community.

100km challenge for local charity

His latest achievement came on Sunday 1 March when he completed an extraordinary 100-kilometre run in support of WAVES (Welcome. Accept. Value. Enjoy. Shine) in Ballymena.

The community-led organisation works to ensure children with additional needs feel accepted and included in civic life while also providing much-needed support to their parents and families.

Darren’s determination has struck a chord locally, not only because of the scale of his challenges, but also because of the deeply personal reason behind them.

He and his wife, Amber, are the proud parents of two children with additional needs, and his fundraising efforts are rooted firmly in lived experience.

Running with purpose

His commitment to supporting families like his own has seen Darren push himself through a number of endurance challenges.

In 2025, to mark World Down’s Syndrome Day, he undertook another remarkable feat — running 21 kilometres for three consecutive days. The combined 63-kilometre challenge raised funds for a local Down Syndrome support group.

By combining personal purpose with physical endurance, Darren has not only raised money for important causes but also helped shine a spotlight on the experiences of families supporting children with additional needs.

Civic recognition

Speaking at the reception, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, praised Darren’s dedication and the impact of his efforts.

“It is a true privilege to formally acknowledge Darren’s efforts and the meaningful difference he has made. His determination, compassion, and resilience are truly inspiring.

“Through immense physical endurance and personal commitment, he has raised both vital funds and awareness for organisations that make a meaningful difference to families across Ballymena.”

Darren’s story has become a powerful example of how personal challenges can be transformed into meaningful action — turning miles on the road into tangible support for families across the community.

At a glance

• Ballymena man Darren Tweed has been honoured by the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim.

• The recognition celebrates his fundraising efforts for charities supporting children with additional needs.

• His latest challenge was a 100km run on 1 March in aid of WAVES in Ballymena.

• WAVES supports children with additional needs and their families through community programmes.

• Darren and his wife Amber have two children with additional needs, inspiring his fundraising mission.

• In 2025 he also ran 21km for three consecutive days to mark World Down’s Syndrome Day.

• The combined 63km challenge raised funds for a local Down Syndrome support group.

• Civic leaders say his determination has raised both funds and awareness for families locally.