1st June 2009

Trek Egypt has been done and dusted, you can read all about it by clicking on the Trek Egypt Link. Photographs are also online, you can view these by clicking on the Gallery link.

Trek Egypt Trekkers

8th May 2009

Trek Egypt is now only hours away. It has been a long and hard road to get to this point with Training, Fundraising, etc. The idea for such as an adventure was thought of along with a good friend one cold December night in 2007 in Maginn's bar, Castlewellan. In May 2008 it was decided it would be Trek Egypt and here I am about to embark on such a trip. I must admit it has been quite an experience already, with our memorable training days in the Mournes and fundraising activities.

Over the last few days I have been concentrating on my equipment and kit that I will need to bring with me, making sure not to overlook anything. I have been doing a little bit of research on Egypt and the terrain that we will cover which has given me an idea of what to expect. I am feeling confident that my training will stand by me, however I am a bit apprehensive on the hot conditions that we will experience on the trek. Plenty of fluid intake will be crucial.

As you may have noticed I have now passed my target of £3000 and my total is currently over £3300 mark. Once again my thanks to everyone who has supported me and have wished me luck for the challenge that lies ahead. It is overwhelming to know that so many people are behind me.

I am planning to post a full online report on my Trek when I return so make sure you tune in.

16th April 2009

With Thanks to my brother Brendan I am able to add another £152.88 to my fundraising. Brendan organised a stall at the Dundrum car boot sale on Easter Sunday and was able to raise a fantastic total of £152.88, thanks to Brendan for his time and effort in bringing me within touching distance of my target £3000. Thanks also to everyone who give their support on Sunday by grabbing a bargain or made a donation.

28th March 2009

Photographs now online of the views I have experienced during my training in the Mourne Mountains also included are photographs from group training treks that was organized by Action Cancer and led by Mountaineering expert Pat Devlin and as you will see in all types of weather.

Our most recent training trek was Cove cave in the heart of the Mournes. By far this was our most physical challenge. Cove cave is set in Cove mountain and was featured last year on the BBC programme 'Off the beatan track' with Banjo Bannon. Once in the cave it is a very steep and difficult climb to the top needing good teamwork. Exit from the cave can be achieved by pulling yourself through a small gap in the rocks no bigger than 2ft square.

Click here to view photographs from my training.

12th March 2009

All of the Trek Egypt Trekkers attended an information morning at Action Cancer House in Belfast. Julian Walden give the group a briefing on what to expect during our trek and give a few tips on our last minute preparations. Julian is an event representative from Classic Tours who will be overseeing Trek Egypt, the company specializes in organizing charity challenges all over the world and has helped to raise 50 million pounds for a wide range of charities.

On a separate note my training is progressing well and starting to feel comfortable about trekking on consecutive days. Also starting to think about the equipment that I will need to bring with me on the trek, such as protection from sand storms, strong sun, etc. I have also recently received medical vaccinations to protect me against disease's such as Typhoid, Hepatitis, etc.

8th February 2009

Trek Egypt is edging closer all the time, so my training routine has stepped up another gear. Once again Action Cancer organized mini treks to help the group in their preparations for Egypt, this time back to back training sessions was organized to help people to get used to trekking on consecutive days. On day one Slieve Donard, the highest peak in the Mourne Mountains was conquered in freezing temperatures. Day two seen the group experience some real challenging conditions with heavy snow and low visibility on the Brandy Pad. Thankfully we where in safe hands with our mountaineering experts Pat & Damien.

A great experience to see the mountains in such extreme conditions as you can see below, stay tuned for more photos coming soon.

Left: Challenging conditions on the Brandy pad.
Centre & Right: More pleasurable weather on Slieve Donard.

17th December 2008

On Saturday 13th December with the help of some good friends, a money collection day was carried out in my local town Kilkeel. Despite the freezing temperatures, we raised a fantastic total of £1146.16. Thank you to the people of Kilkeel for their generosity by supporting our collection. It is certainly a big jump towards my final target of £3000.

Thanks to my good friends Damien, Jimmy, Colm, Elaine, Stephen & Kevin for helping on the day and also my family for their continuous support.

25th November 2008

To help with the physical preparation Action Cancer has organized a serious of Mini Treks in the Mourne Mountains led by Pat Devlin who is an experienced trekker and knows the Mourne area inside out. The First of these Mini Treks was on the 16th November, The group consisted of people who will being participating in various challenges for Action Cancer in 2009 such as Trek Thailand, Trek Peru, and of course Trek Egypt. Our the destination was Slieve Commedagh, with a height of 767m, it give us a great view of Newcastle and the surrounding villages and towns, as well as a spectacular sight of the mountain range.

Some of the group taking part in the Mini Trek with the
Mourne wall in the backdrop

31st October 2008

Training has stepped up a gear in the last few weeks. I am now covering some miles on rough terrain, and where better to do this than the Mountains of Mourne.

One of the routes that I regularly take is the trek to the Blue Lough. This is one of the most popular walks amongst trekkers who visits the Mournes.

The route to the Blue Lough crosses the Mourne wall and continues along a level track to reach and follow the edge of Annalong Wood. The path continues along old quarry tracks in open heathland. There are two main track junctions between this point and the Blue Lough.

A short walk further along the track to the col or saddle between Slieve Binnian and Slieve Lamagan will provide a fantastic view of Ben Crom Dam. To the left are some photos that I have taken along the way.

My Fundraising has really kicked off over the last couple of weeks. This is due to the help of the local press for publishing my press release on Trek Egypt. My Thanks to the Mourne Observer, The Co Down Outlook and also the Newry and Down Democrat for their support. If you haven't seen the press releases, you can download them in PDF format by clicking on the link below.

Mourne Observer Press Release (2.3MB)
Down Democrat Press Release (2.2MB )

Money raised so far is £515, which is really encouraging but so much hard work is still ahead. Thanks to those people who have donated to my fundraising so far. Training is also progressing nicely, I am now walking 6- 8 miles during the weekends, however this is on the road, eventually I will have to cover these miles on rough terrain.