Sliabh Breagh hike for Downs Syndrome
THE Down Syndrome Centre North East are about to embark on thier ‘Challenge 21’ walk following their recent launch in the Sliabh Beagh Hotel, Knockatallon, Co. Monaghan.
The Challenge is for participants to ask 21 people to each sponsor them €21 to walk through beautiful Sliabh Beagh this Saturday, September 15. Alternatively, you might decide to set up an online fundraising platform such as ‘GoFundMe’ or perhaps 2 people may opt to buy one line at €10.50 each etc.
The raised funds will go towards the Down Syndrome Centre North East (DSCNE) which will provide a family centred, multidisciplinary approach to the delivery of essential services, support and information to individuals with Down Syndrome and their families in Counties Monaghan, Cavan, Louth & Meath.
The proceeds from this event will be allocated towards the running costs of this new cen- tre, which will open its doors in the C-Tec building Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan within the next few weeks.
One of the organisers behind the event, Gary Hall, opened the evening by welcoming those in attendance, introducing the event and thanking their main sponsors ‘Abbott Nutrition’, as well as the many sponsors who have since come on board to support the event.
These included; The Sliabh Beagh Hotel, Monaghan Sports Partnership, Bragan Water and Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dundalk who have offered up a fantastic prize of a weekend break for one lucky walker on the day. He also thanked those who got behind the media campaign for the event by posting videos of support on Facebook. This included, former IRFU star Tommy Bowe, Singer Marty Mone, Northern Sounds Sean McCaffrey, Louth Football Captain Andy McDonnell, Dundalk FC Manager Stephen Kenny, Louth’s All Ireland Junior Ladies Finalists, and the staff and players from the Monaghan Senior Football team.
Finally, he thanked Paddy Sherry, a member of the Knockatallon Ramblers, for helping to devise a challenging, yet scenic and enjoyable route through Sliabh Beagh.
Paddy Sherry then talked through the planned 21km route, which will start and finish at the Sliabh Beagh Hotel.
The walk is graded as moderately difficult, with a combination of tarmac roads / gravel lanes and some smaller sections of forestry terrain. Walking boots or strong, but ‘ broken-in’ trainers are highly recommended.
The walk will be guided by the Knockatallon Ramblers and is not a timed event. There will be two scheduled stops with water/snack refreshments available, but it is advisable that you bring your own packed lunch with you to keep you going on your journey.
There will be a hot buffet provided afterwards. The organisers will have plenty of marshals along the route as well as Civil defence, should they be needed.
To take part in the event, you must register on line at https:// bit.ly/2uyvdAB.
Alternatively, you can email dscne.challenge21@gmail.com to find out more about the event and receive a link to the online registration page. Once registered, you will receive a welcome pack in the post, which will include more information on the walk, as well as a sponsorship card.
Sign on will take place from 9.45am on the morning of the event at the Sliabh Beagh Hotel, were you will also receive your complementary tee-shirt.
If you would like to find out more about the Down Syndrome Centre North East, please feel free to email them directly downsyndromecentrene@gmail.com.