Paddy gets ready for big Slieve Donard challenge

21 August 2013

NEWCASTLE’S Patrick Breen is getting himself into peak condition for the Friends of the Cancer Centre Slieve Donard Challenge — the annual trek to the top of Northern Ireland’s highest peak.

On Saturday, September 7 he and fellow walkers will enjoy the 5.5 mile scenic trek while helping to fund the official charity of the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre based at the Belfast City Hospital.

Many of those who take part in the annual event have had friends or family with the disease or are helping to fight it.

Patrick’s sister Sarah Breen is an administration officer for Friends of the Cancer Centre, and both climbed to the top of Slieve Donard for the charity back in 2010.

“Quite unbelievably for two people who grew up in Newcastle, 2010 was the first time that Sarah and I had been to the top of Slieve Donard,” said Patrick. “The view was absolutely amazing and the craic along the way was fantastic — I just don’t know what took us so long to get up there.

“I’m really looking forward to doing it all over again this year. It’s not just the sense of accomplishment of getting to the top; it’s all the banter you have along the way with everyone following each other to the top.

“Hopefully we’ll get the same great weather we did last time around, but I’ll be prepared for anything — and as a local I know how quickly weather can change in Mourne Country.”

Sarah hopes to encourage as many people as possible to take part in this year’s challenge.

“The role of Friends of the Cancer Centre is to provide the funding for posts, projects and services which make a real difference to cancer patients and their families and which are outside and in addition to the provision already made by the Health Service,” she said.

The registration fee for this fundraiser is £10. Participants are encouraged to to generate £50 or more sponsorship. For further details visit www.friendsofthecancercentre.com, or contact Claire on 028 9069 9393.

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