A Big £30k Raised at The Big 3 Irish Mountain Trek Challenge
It was a weekend to remember and a resounding success for 17 ambitious trekkers who took part in the very first Big 3 Irish Mountain Trek Challenge, raising an incredible total of £30K for Cancer Focus Northern Ireland. The three-day event wasn’t for the faint hearted with the participants guided to the towering peaks of Carrauntoohil in Munster, Lugnaquilla in Leinster, and Slieve Donard in Ulster. They are known as some of the best hiking locations in Ireland, but it didn’t make the endeavour any less gruelling as the group travelled over 600 miles by bus, hiked for over 20 hours and climbed an impressive 2500 meters taking in some of the most stunning views Ireland has to offer. The relentless efforts of each climber will make a lasting impact on local people and their families who are on their cancer journey.
Among the trekker’s taking part was Yvonne Alderdice, a longtime advocate and supporter of Cancer Focus NI, and a familiar face at any of the local charity’s events. Unwilling to shy away from a challenge, the mother of three from Bangor knows all too well the importance of raising funds to support local people during one of the most difficult times in their lives, after her own breast cancer diagnosis in 2017, at just 40 years old.
Yvonne said: “It was an incredible challenge from start to finish, everyone taking part was enthusiastic and excited to be there for such an important cause. From the beginning of the weekend, we were fast friends and even when it got tough, there was always someone close at hand with words of encouragement and helping you put one foot in front of the other, until you reached each summit. I know firsthand the importance of the work Cancer Focus NI do to support local people and their families dealing with a cancer diagnosis after struggling during my own treatment and recovery. I am just so delighted to give back in any way I can and the sense of community and purpose at every Cancer Focus NI event always makes me excited for the next one.”
James Barbour, Events Manager Cancer Focus NI notes the determination and positivity of the team taking part. He said: “I can’t thank the trekkers enough for taking part in The Big 3 Irish Mountain Trek, it was a tough three days of climbing and even when the weather was damp, the spirits of the group remained high. A lot of preparation, training and efforts went in to taking part in this event, not only to climb three of the highest peaks in Ireland in the span of only three days, but to raise the incredible total that will make a lasting impact on the 1 in 2 people who are diagnosed with cancer in Northern Ireland.”
Cancer Focus NI have launched a 5-year plan, that will see the organisation open five new bespoke Therapeutic Cancer Support Centres across Northern Ireland, with the first Centre opening in Enniskillen at the beginning of 2025. With an aim to bring cancer care into the community and out of the hospital setting, the charity’s Cancer Support Centre project in County Fermanagh will be the first of its kind in the area. The Cancer Support Centres will deliver a number of vital support services including counselling, family support, specialist bra fitting, art therapy and a patient driving service to local people on their cancer journey.
To learn more about supporting the Centre through a donation, leaving a legacy, or choosing Cancer Focus NI as your charity of the year, email Maeve Colgan, Director of Fundraising and Communications, maevecolgan@cancerfocusni.org.
