Local men scale new heights for charity

Led by Lisburn native Ross Williamson, the team will be embarking on a 1,200 mile round trip beginning on August 14 and they will start close to home by climbing Slieve Donard in the Mournes, the highest peak in Northern Ireland, standing at 2,789 ft high.

Ross, who decided to take on the challenge to raise money for the SANDS charity, a national charity that supports anyone affected by the death of a baby, and in memory of his daughter Ellen-Rose, is being joined by his brother Graeme Williamson and friends Andrew McBurney, Wayne Spence and Dennis Hamill.

In fact Graeme will actually be celebrating his 39th birthday at the summit of both Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles at 4,409 ft, and Scafell Pike in the Lake District, the highest peak in England at 3,209 ft.

The group are planning to scale both peaks in just one day, so hopefully it will be a double celebration for Graeme.

The group will complete the Four Peak Challenge on top of the 3,560ft Welsh peak, Snowdon, all within 48 hours of setting off from home.

Ross, Graeme, Andrew, Wayne and Dennis have been training hard for their mountainous challenge and have been building up their stamina by pounding the pavements and tackling the Mourne Mountains as often as possible.

The team are hoping to raise £5,000 for the charity and they are already getting close to that target.

“My wife Majella and I have been overwhelmed and humbled by people’s generosity,” said Ross.

“Every penny donated is greatly appreciated and we hope that the money raised will fund much needed research and development to help others in the future.”

If you would like to help the Ross and the team reach their target and raise much needed funds for this worthwhile cause, or to find out more about the challenge, visit www.justgiving.com/ROSS-WILLIAMSON1.

To find out more about SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death) log onto www.uk-sands.org.