Climb Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland’s highest peak on Sunday 20th August and help raise funds for NI’s leading kid’s cancer charity to ensure children, young people and families don’t have to face cancer alone.
Money raised will go towards supporting a range of Cancer Fund for Children services including Daisy Lodge, the charity’s therapeutic short break facility, located nearby in the tranquil foothills of the Mourne Mountains.
Cancer Fund for Children and its service users are appealing to members of the public to set off in support of Daisy Lodge in a sponsored 5.8 mile Slieve Donard trek which will see participants climbing to 2,550 feet, enjoying breath-taking views as far as Scrabo Tower, the Wicklow Mountains and Isle of Man while showing solidarity with children, young people and families affected by cancer..
Bethany Courtney aged 18 from Ballynahinch was diagnosed with cancer like illnesses Aplastic Anaemia and PNH two years ago, (these are diseases of the blood which destroy the body’s red blood cells). Bethany spoke about the restorative setting of Daisy Lodge and how it has helped her:
“The whole Shimna Valley Complex is just beautiful. It’s like an oasis with the trees and Mournes in the background. I have enjoyed stays there where I benefited from peer support and from the charity’s team of Specialists including Gemma O’Toole. I was so glad to be able to talk to her about how I was feeling about my illness. This was a big breakthrough for me as I had tried counselling before and was unable to open up, but with Gemma I just felt so relaxed and comfortable. It helped me see I don’t have to face things alone. I’m urging people to sign up to Slieve Donard so more young people can benefit from this type of support.”
Climb Slieve Donard this August and help Cancer Fund for Children reach its target of £26,000 which will help more children and teenagers like Bethany Preen.
The challenge sets off on Sunday 30th August from Donard Car Park in Newcastle at 9.30am. Afterwards, participants can celebrate with a BBQ at Hugh McCann’s Pub in Newcastle.
To register for Slieve Donard visit http://www.cancerfundforchildren.com/event/slieve-donard-climb-3/ Alternatively, phone 02890805599 or email alex@cancerfundforchildren.com