News

Inspirational Derry runner Sam Brattin receives 2026 Danny Sheerin Memorial Award

8 September 2026

Foyle Valley AC runner Sam Brattin has received the 2026 Danny Sheerin Memorial Award after completing Sunday’s Waterside Half Marathon.

The award, established in memory of much-loved local athlete Danny, recognises a participant who embodies the spirit of encouragement, determination and participation that he was renowned for.
Sam received the award after finishing Sunday’s race in an impressive 1 hour and 31 minutes from Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Grace Uí Niallais and Danny’s son Bernard.
Danny took part in every Waterside Half Marathon from the event’s inception in 1981, continuing to participate even in recent years as he battled cancer.
He also competed in scores of marathons, half marathons and triathlons across the city and further afield, including every Derry Marathon.
Sadly, Danny passed away following his long battle with illness less than two weeks before the 2022 Waterside Half Marathon.
The Danny Sheerin Memorial Award was established later that year to celebrate Danny’s remarkable contribution to local running and to recognise a participant who reflects the encouragement and resilience that characterised his involvement in the sport.
This year’s recipient, Sam Brattin, is a former student of St Columb’s College and is currently studying Finance at Queen’s University Belfast.
He has shown remarkable resilience himself in overcoming significant personal challenges.
He lost his mother at the age of 15 and was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma while studying for his A-Levels.
Despite undergoing seven months of chemotherapy, Sam continued with his studies and went on to achieve excellent A-Level results before taking up his place at Queen’s University.
He continued to participate in the Derry Parkrun during his treatment and, following his recovery and entering remission in January 2024, set himself the challenge of completing the London Marathon in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust.
Sam completed the 2025 London Marathon in an impressive 3 hours 38 minutes alongside his girlfriend Maebh O’Sullivan, raising an incredible £6,500 for Teenage Cancer Trust.
His fundraising campaign involved organising and promoting activities across multiple platforms, demonstrating the commitment and teamwork that have been central to his journey.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Grace Uí Niallais, congratulated Sam on his recognition.
“Danny Sheerin was a remarkable ambassador for running in our city and he had a particular affinity with the Waterside Half Marathon so it is wonderful that his memory continues to be celebrated through this special award.
“Danny’s commitment to taking part, encouraging others and being part of the running community was an inspiration to so many people and the qualities that this award recognises are very much reflected in Sam’s story.
“Sam has shown extraordinary resilience in the face of adversity and has continued to challenge himself while also using his own experiences to support others through his fundraising for Teenage Cancer Trust.
“To see Sam recognised with an award bearing Danny’s name is particularly fitting and I would like to congratulate him on this achievement and wish him every success for the future.”