On Saturday 1st May myself and 20+ of my friends will attempt to complete the 7 highest peaks of the Mournes in memory of and to celebrate the life of my father Noel who died in September of last year.  As part of the event I have decided to raise funds for 2 charities the first of which is The Prostate cancer research team at Queens.  My dad died of Prostate cancer and suffered immeasurably in the last 2 years of his life before succumbing to this terrible illness and I would dearly like to contribute in some small way in the fight against this disease.  Online donations can be made via this link.

The prostate cancer research team at Queen's which includes Rostrevor man Aidan Cole is doing cutting edge research into radiation therapies to improve treatment for Northern Irish patients with the most advanced and difficult to treat prostate cancer. Through the Queen's Foundation, your gift goes directly to their work. Your support will allow them to advance their research, recruit more patients to trials and support the training of young researchers who will be the future of this team. Thank you for helping us make the difference to men with prostate cancer.

The second charity I would like to support is the local St Vincent De Paul conference.  My father was chairperson and a founding member of the St Mary's conference and having dedicated a huge part of his life to supporting the local community is a charity our family would dearly love to support.  Any cash donations will go to the St Mary's Conference of SVDP.

Id like to thank all of the boys who have prepared for this event since Christmas in all sorts of conditions with some very tough outings but the craic was mighty and adherence to Covid regulations was always maintained.

I know times are tough for many with endless requests for sponsorship but any contribution however large or small will be hugely appreciated and be a fitting tribute to my dad.