Trek to the top of Trostan for charity funds

A local health charity is looking for intrepird teams to take on an what promises to be an epic mini adventure weekend!
By The Newsroom
Published 11th May 2016, 11:55 BST
Updated 11th May 2016, 12:57 BST
Community & Events Fundraising Manager, Grace ONeill (centre) is joined by Community & Events Co-Ordinator, "rla Clarke (left) and NICHS volunteer Sheila Maginnis (right) to launch NICHSs 70th Anniversary Step Up TrekPhoto by Aaron McCracken/Harrisons 07778373486Community & Events Fundraising Manager, Grace ONeill (centre) is joined by Community & Events Co-Ordinator, "rla Clarke (left) and NICHS volunteer Sheila Maginnis (right) to launch NICHSs 70th Anniversary Step Up TrekPhoto by Aaron McCracken/Harrisons 07778373486
Community & Events Fundraising Manager, Grace ONeill (centre) is joined by Community & Events Co-Ordinator, "rla Clarke (left) and NICHS volunteer Sheila Maginnis (right) to launch NICHSs 70th Anniversary Step Up TrekPhoto by Aaron McCracken/Harrisons 07778373486

This September, participants of Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke’s first ever Step Up Trek will drive across Northern Ireland over the course of one weekend, climbing five of its highest peaks including County Antrim’s Trostan, in an unforgettable team adventure. This is a brand new, accessible challenge for teams of 4 or 5 people.

NICHS’s Community & Events Fundraising Manager Grace O’Neill who is from Broughshane explained: “The inclusive nature of this event is what makes it so unique. Only two members of each team are required to reach the summit of each mountain which gives teams the opportunity to be creative with their strategy and plan their weekend according to the ability and strengths of each team member. Teams are in control of which route they choose to follow allowing them to choose where their journey will take them first and last. It’s sure to be an inspirational, non-stop weekend of navigation, trekking and camaraderie.”

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Declan Cunnane, Chief Executive of NICHS highlighted the significance of 2016 for the charity, “This year marks 70 years since NICHS was established which makes this unique challenge all the more poignant. Back in 1946, NICHS raised £643 to support its charitable aims. In 2016, £3 million is needed to provide care and prevention services across Northern Ireland. 80% of that £3 million is generated by the general public, so without the support of people who sign up to events like this, NICHS would be unable to continue saving and transforming local lives. We’re calling on everyone across the province to please help make the biggest difference in our 70th year by signing up to NICHS’s first Step Up Trek.”

NICHS’s Step Up Trek takes place over the weekend of Friday 9th to Sunday 11th September. Whichever route each team chooses to follow, they are required to take on Trostan in Antrim, Slieve Gullion in Armagh, Cuilcagh in Fermanagh, Slieve Donard in County Down and Sawel which lies on the Tyrone and Derry/ Londonderry border.

Team registration costs £400, however there is an early bird offer of £300 available for a limited number of teams. Teams need to raise a minimum sponsorship of £600. To register, please visit nichs.org.uk/StepUpTrek and to find out more, please contact Cheryl Brown on 028 9032 0184.

The Step Up Trek is part of a wider programme of Step Up events including challenge walks, cycles and parachute jumps. For further information, please visit nichs.org.uk/StepUp2016 or speak to a member of the events team on 028 9032 0184.

Related topics:StrokeNorthern Ireland