Local Cancer Charity Thanks Hiking Heroes for £105,000 Fundraising Peak Performance

Cancer Focus NI are pleased to announce that their 2024 Mourne Events, proudly sponsored by Decathlon, raised a staggering £105,000. This unbelievable total will pay for over 1,700 hours of vital cancer support services at the charity and was made possible by the 300 fantastic fundraisers who hiked over 6,000 kilometres, taking on the Mourne Seven Summits or Twin Peaks Challenges, during one momentous day last summer.

The event’s staggering total will help continue to fund essential cancer services provided by Cancer Focus NI. A special thanks is given to Decathlon for their continued support of these events with James Barbour, Outdoor Events Manager at the charity, saying “The support given by Decathlon at last year’s event truly made the day memorable. We are absolutely thrilled to once again have this sponsor on board to support our Mourne Events in 2025. Every year we need to raise £4.6 million pounds to continue to deliver our vital services which are essential to local patients and families who are impacted by cancer. We couldn’t do what we do without the ongoing support from organisations like Decathlon, and the participants who sign up, hike, and raise the vital funds that help us support local people and families across Northern Ireland.”

This fundraising announcement comes just as the 2025 Mourne Events, which will take place on 14th June, open for registration. The local cancer charity is inviting individuals, families, groups, and workplaces to choose their Mournes challenge and help make a difference to the lives of local people living with cancer.

This year, participants will receive a Decathlon sample pack, along with a £10 gift card to be spent in-store. Hikers will also receive a Cancer Focus NI t-shirt, an event medal, and fundraising help and support.

Matthew Ferguson from Decathlon said “We at Decathlon Belfast are extremely proud to once again sponsor this amazing event. Uniting people through the wonders of sport to raise funds for Cancer Focus Northern Ireland. We encourage anyone wanting to take part in this mega challenge, to lace up your boots, tighten up your rucksack straps and take the first step in registering today. Our team cannot wait to see you on the mountain to create more unforgettable memories.”

Those interested in our 2025 Mourne Events can choose from two events.  The Mourne Seven Summits, the more difficult challenge, follows a 13-14km route over seven of the highest Mourne peaks which are over 700m above sea level in a time limit of 12 hours.  The Twin Peaks challenges fundraisers to hike Slieve Donard and Slieve Commedagh, the two highest peaks in the Mourne Mountains.  More information about taking part can be found here.