Local walkers urged to take on the NSPCC HACK challenge on their doorstep!
Back for its fifth year, The NSPCC HACK (Hike Against Cruelty to Kids) is appealing to walkers in Country Down to pull on their hiking boots and make a difference to vulnerable local children.
The NSPCC Northern Ireland HACK is taking place on Saturday 14 September and will this year be back in the breathtaking Mourne Mountains.
This year’s Mournes HACK is once again offering two challenges; a 14-mile and 20-mile route to choose from depending on appetite for adventure! The route will cover some of the most spectacular scenery Northern Ireland has to offer, with walkers treated to picture-perfect views of the coast, sea and countryside.of the coast, sea and countryside,
Claire Galbraith, Northern Ireland NSPCC community fundraising manager said: “Training for the HACK is a great way to start a keep fit campaign, and taking part is an amazing challenge and experience.
Claire continued: “The HACK will be a fabulous day out in the great outdoors and a valuable opportunity to help the NSPCC raise money to support local projects and services. Why not sign up with a group of friends, family or colleagues and make it a real team challenge.”
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First walker signed up Michael Wilgar with Caire Galbraith of the NSPCC looking forward to the 2013 Mourne HACK.[/caption]
Michael Wilgar (42) is this year’s first walker signed up to the Mournes HACK, and explained why he would encourage everyone to step up to the challenge. He said: “I have been donating to the NSPCC by direct debit for many years, so when I saw an advert in 2011 for the Mournes HACK I registered straight away; it was the perfect way to raise money for this great cause and take on a personal challenge at the same time.
“Having completed the HACK before, I know the many benefits! The views from the different parts of the Mournes that you pass are just fantastic. The air is so pure and after the first few miles your lungs feel wonderful, not to mention after you cross the finish line, climbing into a hot bath with a large refreshment and just feeling good about having completed an awesome challenge. Having two young children and running my own business keeps me active, but cycling and going for long walks will ensure I’m up to the challenge.
“Quite simply I believe there is no greater cause than the health and wellbeing of children. For many of us the thought of a child being abused is heart breaking, but unfortunately its reality for too many kids. I think all children deserve the best possible start in life, and having the NSPCC to turn to is a step in the right direction. I think everyone who is able to take on this challenge should; it will only make you feel good!”
This year, the NSPCC is partnering with outdoors retailer, GO Outdoors who will be supporting the NSPCC’s four HACK events across the UK.
Russel Bennett, head of marketing at GO Outdoors said: “We’re really proud to be supporting the event in Northern Ireland this year and we’re looking forward to taking part and raising lots of money for the NSPCC”.
For further details and online registration for the Northern Ireland HACK, visit www.nspcc.org.uk/mourneshack
or contact the Northern Ireland fundraising office on 028 9035 1135 or email hackni@nspcc.org.uk hackni@nspcc.org.uk
The final registration date for the Mournes HACK is 31 August 2013.
The HACK is open to people aged 18 years and over. Once the registration is complete, entrants will receive a walker’s pack outlining their start time and giving further details of the route. Participants can then begin collecting sponsorship pledges from friends, family and colleagues.
“We are also looking for volunteers to help out at the HACK. Volunteers play a key part in the organising and running of the event and keeping all walkers safe during the day. To volunteer please contact the NSPCC fundraising office on 028 9035 1135 or by emailing hackni@nspcc.org.uk ” added Claire Galbraith.
Northern Ireland residents can visit GO Outdoors and order products online at www.gooutdoors.co.uk
The NSPCC’s HACK challenges have been running since 2004 with 5,500 walkers raising more than £875,000 for the children’s charity. There are three other NSPCC HACKs taking place in 2013, in Yorkshire, Devon and London.
About the NSPCC
The NSPCC is the UK’s leading children’s charity specialising in child protection. Our vision is to end cruelty to children in the UK and we make a difference for all children by standing up for their rights, listening to them, helping them when they need us and by making them safe. The NSPCC runs projects and services across the United Kingdom and Channel Islands to help vulnerable children. We also provide ChildLine, the UK’s free, confidential 24-hour helpline and online service for children and young people and a helpline for adults who are worried about a child or want advice.
If you have concerns about a child or young person, you can call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000, text 88858 or visitwww.nspcc.org.uk
Children and young people can contact ChildLine on 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk For more information about the NSPCC visit www.nspcc.org.uk
About GO Outdoors
GO Outdoors is the UK’s leading retailer of outdoor equipment and clothing covering a range of activities including camping, walking, climbing, riding, fishing, skiing, running and cycling. The business has seen strong growth since the first store opened in Sheffield and now operates from 42 stores in the UK. GO Outdoors stores offer a break with traditional outdoor store layouts. Mostly in out-of-town locations, the entrances are often themed with limestone walls, rustic gate and a hand-made timber path.
The massive tent display areas feature synthetic turf for the complete ‘outdoors inside’ experience. And many stores feature a centrepiece family-friendly six metre high indoor climbing wall will allow customers to experience indoor rock climbing. GO Outdoors customers also enjoy benefits of their unique Discount card’s price beating guarantee, assurance of best price.
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