Pair set to represent Belfast at natural bodybuilding competition in Denmark

Donal and Finn
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Two friends from Belfast are set to jet off to Denmark next month to represent Ireland at the European Natural Bodybuilding Championships in Denmark.

Donal McAllister and Finn Healy, who are both from the west of the city, have been training, eating and all else that comes with preparation for a competition since April. And while doing so, they are highlighting the important work of a suicide prevention charity, based in their local community.

West Wellbeing is a mental health charity based in West Belfast offering a safe space for people in need of help and support. The team provide counselling for those experiencing mental distress - and with a fundraising page set up to help Donal and Finn in their travels to Denmark, any other monies raised will go to West Wellbeing.

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Speaking to Belfast Live, Donal's partner Rihanna, explained how both men have gave their all throughout the training, and look forward to representing Belfast on a global stage.

"They will both be competing on Saturday October 19," she said.

"The shows that they are going to are natural, which means they will be tested. They will have to do a polygraph test and if they win, a urine test is required, to make sure they are not assisted, or on any performance enhancing drugs. Donal and Finn have been on prep since April, so it has been a lot of months of work.

"It has been months of absolute dedication. Training, eating properly, cardio work, and making sure everything is on point. They both have to do a routine, which is a 60 minute routine of different poses, where they'll be judged on how they present themselves on stage.

Donal and Finn
Donal and Finn

"This is both their first year of competing, as they are both novice, and they have just worked so hard."

Rihanna and Finn's mum will both head to Denmark with them in October, but at home, a large support system will be cheering them on.

"It is incredible to see them on stage," Rihanna added.

"It's almost emotional and you do choke up a bit because you know how much work has gone on in the background. To be invited to the final is an incredible achievement. Not every day is a good day, we are all human, but they have kept pushing forward and have stayed focused on the end goal. It is really inspiring. "

You can support Donal and Finn through this link.

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