21 climbs up Slieve Donard for charities

21 climbs up Slieve Donard for charities

26 March 2025

A LOCAL man will climb Slieve Donard 21 times next month to raise money for three organisations close to his heart.

Forty nine year-old Tim Bennett, a landscape gardener from outside Downpatrick, will climb Northern Ireland’s tallest mountain each day from April 10 to April 30.

Proceeds from his fundraising efforts will go to Ballynahinch Counselling Service, the mind your mate and yourself (mymy) charity and the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team.

Speaking about his upcoming challenge, Tim said Slieve Donard plays a big part in the lives of most local people.

“I even built my house to have a view of it,” he revealed.

“Climbing it ten times equates to climbing Mount Everest, so I want to do that twice over to help local mental health services and to help mountain rescue efforts.

“They say it takes 21 days to change a habit or belief, so by undertaking this mammoth challenge I am wanting to do that, but also hope to give back to those who have helped me,” Tim explained.

After recently undergoing counselling, Tim wanted to give back to help others going through similar experiences.

“These charities provide huge benefits to our community and without them, people would surely be lost,” he said.

“I was and still want to make people aware that if you are going through a difficult time in your life these counselling services are there to support our communities and truly are life savers in some cases.

“You never know when you or one of your family members will need such a service.

Tim also has a friend whose father had to be rescued by the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team.

“The work they do is unreal, risking their lives to help save people,” he said.

“I am sure you all know someone that had to be rescued at some point. The point being you just don’t know who that next person will be. Maybe you or someone close to you.”

Tim is asking the people of Down and further afield to kindly donate as much as they can to his fundraiser.

“I read that there are [the equivalent] of 4,250 stairs from sea level to the top of Slieve Donard. I figured that I also have to come down too, so there are 8,500 stairs each trip – and I am going to do it 21 times.

“So, if I could raise one pound for every stair taken this would raise £178,500 and would be a ‘Bob’s your uncle’ moment – just amazing.”

Ballynahinch Counselling Service, who will be joining Tim up in the Mournes for part of the challenge, said they were “extremely grateful and delighted” that Tim has decided to complete this challenge to help raise funds for the three charities. 

“We wish Tim all the best and ask for your support to help him through this amazing feat and reach his fundraising target,” a spokesperson for the charity said.

You can donate to Tim’s fundraiser here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/tim-bennett-1?newPage=true.