Golfers to take to mountains to raise money for Action MS

Golfers to take to mountains to raise money for Action MS

17 June 2015

SEVERAL Downpatrick golfers are swapping their golf shoes for hiking boots this September to raise money for Action MS.

Aidan Robinson and Martin McClurg have joined forces to launch the Action MS Purple Mountain Challenge in Co. Kerry as the local men are avid supporters and friends of the organisation.

Aidan described the mountain challenge as a “great experience which just gets better and 

better each year” and explained the golfers are hoping they will be joined on the trek by fellow Downpatrick men George Kerr and Aidan Campbell.

Action MS official Noreen Kerr explained those taking part in trek will be joined by professional guides, with all travel and accommodation arranged by the charity.

Purple Mountain is the 27th highest peak in Ireland and is bounded to the west by the Gap of Dunloe which separates it from Macgillycuddy’s Reeks. The eastern half of Purple Mountain is part of the Killarney National Park

“I was amazed to find out that Northern Ireland has the second highest incidence of multiple sclerosis in the world,” explained Noreen.

“I know the difficult challenges that people with MS are living with every day here in our community and have also seen at first hand the positive impact that Action MS can have. I hope many people will take up the challenge to take part and raise vital funds to support the work of Action MS.”

The charity’s chief executive, Ann Walker, is delighted Aidan, Martin and Noreen have once again decided to go the extra mile to support people living with MS and is encouraging others to join them for what she said “will be a wonderful weekend and an experience to remember.”

Ann continued: “You don’t have to be an experienced hill walker. Anyone who enjoys walking can take part. There will be groups to suit both the experienced and the novice walker alike.

“We at Action MS simply could not offer any of our services without the support of people like Noreen and all those who will take up this challenge. We receive no government or statutory funding, yet many people living with MS have complex needs and their quality of life depends upon these being met sensitively and professionally.”

Anyone interested in taking part in the Purple Mountain Challenge is asked to view the Action MS website www.actionms.co.uk or contact Sarah Duff on (028) 9079 0707.