Fundraiser Briege shows she has a keen head for heights

Briege Hamilton, marketing co-ordinator at Kilwaugher Chemical Company, embarked on a gruelling trek up the slopes of Mount Everest and reached the base camp at an altitude of almost 19,000 feet, raising a whopping £7,000 for Marie Curie Cancer Care in the process.

And she is now urging other local people to sign up for the charity’s upcoming challenge, which will see participants take on Northern Ireland’s tallest peak, Slieve Donard, standing at 2,786ft.

Funds raised through the challenge will be used to help Marie Curie nurses provide more free care to people with terminal cancer and other illnesses in their own homes and in the Marie Curie Hospice, Belfast.

Briege said she is looking forward to the challenge on Saturday, June 9 and added: “Everest was out of this world, but for an outdoor challenge on your doorstep, what better than the Mourne Mountains and summiting Slieve Donard? Marie Curie events are always well organised, guaranteeing an enjoyable day out with great people and stunning scenery.

“More importantly, by registering for this event, your help and fundraising will provide invaluable help to cancer patients in their last days.”

Suzy McIlveen, Marie Curie events manager for NI said: “This challenge offers people the chance to enjoy breathtaking views and an enormous sense of achievement having reached the highest point in Northern Ireland.

Everyone taking part will be making a big difference, helping Marie Curie nurses to provide many more hours of care, free of charge, to people with terminal illnesses and their families throughout Northern Ireland.”

Mash Direct have also kindly offered to provide complimentary sausages, mash, carrot, parsnip and gravy for everyone taking part, served from the Mash Direct double-decker bus.

For more details and to sign up for Marie Curie’s Slieve Donard Mountain Challenge, please call 08700 340040 or visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/uktreks