Cancer Focus NI aims to ‘pique’ interest of over 500 participants as it announces Decathlon as new sponsor of Mourne Seven Summits and Twin Peaks events
Ahead of World Cancer Day on Sunday 4th February, Cancer Focus Northern Ireland is making a call for 500 brave participants to register for its renowned Mourne Seven Summits and Twin Peaks challenge events on 15 June this year.
The call comes as the charity has unveiled Decathlon as the chief sponsor for this year’s event. The outdoor retailer will be supplying participants with a range of products across the day, including a £10 Decathlon gift card to be spent in-store. Participants will also receive a Cancer Focus NI branded event t-shirt and a special event medal.
New ambassador
Amy McGuckin, Cancer Focus NI’s latest ambassador
Cancer Focus NI has also announced that taking part in the event and hoping to help motivate and encourage participants in their training, will be the charity’s newest ambassador, Q Radio breakfast presenter, Amy McGuckin. Having volunteered to tackle the Seven Summits for the first time, fearless Amy will be sharing her training routines and challenges online, as well as communicating advice from experts on what equipment and gear will help people along on the day via her @amy_mcguckin Instagram account.
Two challenges
Those interested in taking part can choose from one of two events on the day. The Mourne Seven Summits event sees participants challenged to scale all seven of the Mourne peaks which are at least 700m above sea level, in less than 12 hours. The Twin Peaks event invites people to climb to the summit of the two highest peaks in the Mourne Mountains, Slieve Donard, and Slieve Commedagh. Anyone interested in taking part in either challenge can find out further information or register online at cancerfocusni.org.
Speaking ahead of the event, Matthew Ferguson, of event sponsor Decathlon, “Decathlon is proud to become the chief sponsor of this year’s Mourne Seven Summits and Twin Peaks events. Having sampled the event last year, we have a greater understanding of both the magnitude of the challenge alongside the importance of raising further awareness and funds for Cancer Focus NI. We aim to share our knowledge of technical and best-value hiking products that will assist participants in completing the challenge safely. People can begin their journey at www.decathlon.co.uk where they can sample our full hiking range before visiting our Decathlon store at Holywood Exchange Retail Park, Belfast, to gain valuable help alongside user advice.”
Commenting on her decision to take part, Amy McGuckin, added: “I am over the moon to become Cancer Focus NI’s newest ambassador, and I hope my enthusiasm for their work will also help me over all seven summits! It is a tremendous privilege to be able to use my voice to help the charity raise awareness of its work and of the importance of looking after ourselves.
“The fact that 40% of cancers can be prevented if we maintain a healthy lifestyle, have regular health checks, and use screening services, is incredibly important to know. Whether it’s by being UV aware, quitting smoking, limiting our alcohol intake, being physically active, or eating a healthy diet, it is possible to reduce the risk of getting cancer. Not everyone will be able to tackle challenges like the Seven Summits but we can all make incremental adjustments and it’s never too late to start benefiting from positive lifestyle changes.”
Commenting on the support of Decathlon and Amy, James Barbour, Outdoor Events Manager with Cancer Focus NI, said: “By giving us its backing, and lending its fantastic outdoor knowledge to the events, Decathlon is elevating this year’s Seven Summits and Twin Peaks challenges to new heights. We are also delighted our newest ambassador, Amy McGuckin, is on board to help raise awareness of our work and to create the kind of online challenge community that will help our participants motivate and inspire each other as they train for their climbs.
“We have seen enrolment in this popular event almost double since pre-Covid levels. It’s a very special day to be part of, and so we’re calling on as many people as possible to join us in turning the Mournes into a sea of teal on 15 June, and to help us raise vital funds for our cancer support services.”
Anyone interested in taking part in either challenge can find out further information or register online at cancerfocusni.org. Further information on Cancer Focus NI’s broad range of cancer support services and health improvement initiatives is also available on the charity’s website.
