Trek to Mount Everest is step into unknown for Ballygowan’s Kirk

Trek to Mount Everest is step into unknown for Ballygowan’s Kirk

30 July 2025

A BALLYGOWAN man has completed a life-changing trek to Everest Base Camp, raising over £2,500 for local mental health charity AWARE NI.

Kirk Coulter set off on the expedition on March 20, accompanied by teammates Alwyn, Johann, Paul and Ryan. 

But what began as a physical challenge, quickly became something much deeper.

Kirk said climbing to the base camp in the Himalayas became a powerful symbol of the silent struggles many men face every day.

Throughout the trek, his team was driven by a shared purpose — raising awareness of the mental health battles that often go unseen and unspoken.

“Each step represented those battling mental health issues, often without support,” Kirk explained. 

“Reaching the summit was a reminder that no one should have to climb alone.”

Motivated by personal experiences and a passion for change, Kirk and the group used the challenge to highlight how setting goals, building community and moving forward, even when it’s hard, can support better mental well-being.

He continued: “This challenge was about showing how pushing our limits can have a real impact on mental health. Raising £2,500 for AWARE NI was our way of saying we see you, we hear you, and we stand with you.”

The funds Kirk and his team members raised will be directed to AWARE NI, enabling the charity to deliver support groups, mental health training, and community outreach across Northern Ireland.

With 24 support groups currently operating and each group costing approximately £163 per week to run, Kirk’s total of £2,500 will help cover around 15 weeks of peer support sessions, offering a vital lifeline to those living with depression, anxiety, or bipolar.

The charity’s community fundraiser, Lesley Wright, praised the Ballygowan man’s dedication.

“We are incredibly grateful to Kirk and his team for taking on such a powerful and inspiring challenge,” she said.

“Their journey has not only raised vital funds, but also helped challenge the stigma that still surrounds mental health, particularly for men. Thanks to fundraisers like him, AWARE can continue to be there for people when they need us most.”

Meanwhile Kirk has revealed that his fundraising journey isn’t over. 

He and his team are already planning their next mission in September when they will scale the three highest peaks in the UK within 24 hours.

Kirk added: “This is just the beginning. We’re continuing to raise awareness and prove that, together, we can overcome any mountain.”

AWARE NI is the Depression Charity for Northern Ireland, offering support and education for people with depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.

Established in 1996, the charity has a large network of peer-led support groups run by a team of trained volunteers. Support groups welcome people experiencing mental ill-health and offer them a safe space to open up and be around others who understand them. 

The charity delivers mental health and well-being programmes into communities, schools, universities and workplaces, teaching attendees’ techniques to look after their own mental health and well-being.