Comber man to remember friends in walk

Comber man to remember friends in walk

20 August 2014

COMBER man Nicky Caughey is taking on a one day 75km challenge in aid of Diabetes UK and in memory of two close friends.

The huge walking challenge on August 23 will take in some of the most beautiful parts of Down along the Lecale coastline. Starting in Downpatrick, Nicky will be passing through Castleward, Kilclief, Ballyhornan Coastal Path, Ardglass, Tyrella and Dundrum en route to Newcastle.

The last walk Nicky completed for charity was a walk around Strangford Lough for MS and the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children five years ago. Although a similar distance, it was completed over three days rather than one.

Nicky said the timing for the walk was an easy decision as he had lost two close friends at this time of year.

“I lost a great friend five years ago in a road traffic accident when I was doing my last charity walk, and then the following August another great friend who had diabetes sadly died in his sleep,” he said. “This is a tough time of year and I thought this year: ‘Right, get up and do something positive’.”

“I started training in February and having lost quite a few stone decided to take on this challenge and with the timing it made sense to do it for diabetes.

“I will be thinking a lot about the guys and their families throughout the day’s walk and no doubt that will push me on.”

Nicky is hoping that this walk will help raise money and awareness of diabetes among all age groups, and how a healthy diet and daily exercise can prevent this illness.

Nicky is being supported over the first 20kms by his friend Will Agnew and the last 20kms by his miniature Jack Russell, Tia, but he expects to be on his own for the middle 35kms.

Nicky has extended thanks to Premier Sports in Comber and everyone who has made donations so far.

Donations can be given through Nicky’s Just Giving page: www.justgiving.com/Nicky-Caughey/

Alternatively donations can be left into the TT Bistro/North Down House at 101–103 Mill Street Comber, where Nicky is the General Manager.