Ballymena men take on Mourne Challenge for Women’s Aid

TWO Ballymena men, Jonny Lindsay and Jonathan Leakey, took on the challenge of visiting as many of the 39 points as possible in the Mourne Mountains over 500 metres high and over a two-day period for Women’s Aid.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Nov 2012, 11:40 BST

They rose to it well and managed to raise £873 for Women’s Aid ABCL&N in their fight against domestic violence.

“We completed 26 of the peaks before time, the elements, and our screaming limbs defeated us” said Jonathan Leakey after the walk.

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“We had started out at 7.40am on Saturday, and, with a dry day, fresh legs and mostly good visibility, managed 18 of the 39 peaks, so were on schedule. Day two was a different story!

“A combination of awful weather, exhaustion, Jonny’s sore feet and my sore knees, as well as the realisation we weren’t going to finish before nightfall led to our decision to call a halt before we could complete the final section South-West of the Spelga Dam.

“Day 2 was seriously hard work with unbroken rain and mist, and very poor visibility. Still, we both felt pleased with what we achieved, which included knocking off all the seven peaks over 700 metres and 19 of the others, and we were delighted to do this for such a great cause.”

Jonny and Jonathan presented the cheque to grateful staff at the Naomi Centre last week and the money will be used to provide support for local women and children in what can be a very difficult time for them, in the run up to Christmas.

* Anyone experiencing domestic violence can also access support by calling the 24hr Domestic Violence Helpline on 0800 917 1414.

Related topics:BallymenaWomen's Aid