THE Mourne Mountains may look stunning from a distance, but the view from the top is even better … and you don’t have to be a modern-day Sir Edmund Hillary to enjoy it!
This September, the Friends of the Cancer Centre charity is inviting walkers to round off the Summer with a friendly trek to the top of Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland’s highest peak, on Saturday 8th September. Not only will walkers enjoy the Province’s ultimate ‘long view from the high ground’, they’ll also be helping to fund the official charity of the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, based at the Belfast City Hospital.
The Slieve Donard Challenge is an exhilarating sponsored 5.5 mile walk, through stunning scenery and constantly changing terrain. At 850m, an ascent of the mountain should be well within the grasp of anyone with a reasonable level of fitness, but it does require some common-sense preparation as well as sensible kit on the day.
Kelly Graham, Friends Events Officer and Community Fundraiser, said: “Reaching the summit and enjoying the awe-inspiring view is fantastic, but all our walkers will have another end in sight.
“They are stepping up to the challenge of raising funds to support the local charity which provides timely and meaningful support to thousands of cancer patients and their families every year – and we are hugely grateful for their efforts.
“If you aren’t a committed walker it may sound like quite a hike, but it’s not a race and everyone takes it at their own pace, enjoying the company as much as the views.
”Lynn Haugh from Kilkeel is looking forward to her first climb this year with her husband John, and said: “I wanted to give something back. I am going to complete this climb it in memory of my mum who passed away eight years ago from cancer, and also in celebration that my husband is now ten years in remission from Hodgkin’s disease.
“We are hoping for sunshine all the way and are looking forward to the picture postcard scenery we’ve been told about. When we get to the top, I’m sure we’ll feel on top of the world!
“I would urge more local people from around County Down to join us and give the Slieve Donard Challenge a go. Take up this challenge and you will be doing something practical to help those who are facing a challenge of a very different kind: coping with a cancer diagnosis. It will be a memorable trip too if it is your first time.
” Friends of the Cancer Centre makes a real difference to cancer sufferers and their families right across Northern Ireland by funding important research, treatment and patient comforts. For over a quarter of a century the charity has been a ‘friend in need’ to thousands of people facing cancer: now it needs friends to take part in the Slieve Donard Challenge.”
The Slieve Donard Challenge sets off from the car park in Donard Park and follows the Glen River uphill through old woodland of Scots pine, oak and birch. After crossing a stile, participants follow the track above the river for about two kilometers,heading towards The Saddle between Donard and Commedagh, after which they can set their sights on the ultimate goal of the summit of Slieve Donard.
Registration fee for this event is £10 and limited places available. Participants are encouraged to try to raise a minimum of £50 through sponsorship. Under 18’s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
For further details visit www.friendsofthecancercentre.com
or contact Kelly on 028 9069 9393 or info@friendsofthecancercentre.com
