David McHugh is getting himself ready for the challenge of a lifetime the New York City Marathon and hoping his efforts will aid a noble cause.He hopes his participation will raise funds for the Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy, a school for children with special needs.“We hope to raise in excess of $5000 but every little helps,” the policeman said.“I’ve always admired people who find the time and energy to give back to their community and those in need through selfless acts so if I can be one of these people, I hope someone will think the same of me.”The event will mark his second ever marathon, his first being the Bermuda Triangle Challenge.“I was on a recruit foundation course with the Bermuda Police Service and they fully supported me allowing me to represent the BPS while raising money for the Bermuda Cancer Centre,” Mr McHugh said.“This, coupled with the fundraising efforts of my fellow RFC 73 members allowed us to raise over $3,000.”He said not long after the Triangle Challenge, he was contacted and asked if he would be interested in running on behalf of Hope Academy in the annual May 24 half-marathon derby, but was not able to run on the day.He googled the New York City Marathon earlier this year, and entered the lottery to participate.The marathon is the largest in the world. More than 45,000 people took part last year, watched by millions of spectators along the route, via television and online.“I thought nothing more of it until a month or two later I saw a debit from my bank account and after investigating found that I had a place,” Mr McHugh said.“My initial feeling of excitement turned into, ‘how do I tell my wife I need to pay for flights and a hotel?’,” he joked.“I do have a great deal of support from family and friends and the BPS.”Instead of wearing traditional running shorts, Mr McHugh plans to wear Bermuda shorts and a Bermuda flag as he tackles the gruelling 26.2 mile course.“It was actually fellow officers that suggested I run in traditional Bermuda shorts,” he said. “I’m proud to say I’m from Bermuda so the chance to give back to our community is one I’m grasping with both hands.“We concentrate a lot on the negative things that are occurring so sometimes it’s important to inject some positivity.”With the marathon now less than a month away, Mr McHugh said he still has a great deal of training to do.“I try to fit in running around shift work as much as possible, and training with Teachers RFC helps,” he said.“Knowing that I’m running for such a good cause and have the support of so many people I’m sure willpower will see me through.”As of yesterday, his fundraising efforts have earned $565 in pledges for the school, but Mr McHugh is hoping to see that number rise before the marathon on November 6.“I’m hoping members of the community will feel the same and dig deep into their pockets even in these hard financial times,” he said.For those interested in donating, sponsor forms are available now at the Hamilton Police Station, and more information is available on the Facebook page Run for Hope NYC Marathon.