Mountainous challenge ahead

Local woman Madonna Bond from the Bishops Road area of the town will be tackling a five hour hike of Benevenagh mountain to raise money to support the services of the Foyle Hospice. The young mum set herself the challenge in the form of a new year's resolution to do something worthwhile for the charity, whose services benefited a close friend of hers who sadly passed away eight years ago. Madonna and nine other people will trek for five hours in unpredictable terrain in an effort to raise vital cash for the hospice on May 1.

"It's a real big challenge and something that will not be easy but we hope through the support and kindness of others donating it will spur us all on." Madonna tells the Sentinel.

"Over the last few years I have seen the great work that those at the Foyle Hospice do to improve the lives of very sick people and how much donations really help boost the hospice's work."

The Foyle Hospice provides specialised care and support both in the inpatient unit and in the community, for patients with cancer and other progressive illnesses. This care also extends to the family and further ongoing support is provided for bereaved families. The hospice helps the communities all over the borough as well as Derry, Tyrone, Donegal and Fermanagh.

Madonna says the hospice is something that has touched many people's lives including her own.

"Eight years ago a friend of mine died at just 27. The facilities of the Foyle Hospice and the services there really benefited him and since then I have been involved in various fundraising activities for them but this is the big one."

"Ten of us will walk over a variety of terrain which can be unpredictable because of the weather. But we are confident enough as we have Adrian Barbour, who is a dedicated member of the Rambling Club here, leading the walk so we are all in safe hands."

Madonna and Adrian will be joined by friends Charlene O'Hara, Caroline Pollock, Kerry-Anne Hughes, Laraine Smyth, Anne-Marie O'Hara, Liam Duffy, Michael Deery and Sammy Bond. The fundraisers are aiming to raise 250 for Foyle Hospice and have currently reached 12 per cent of their target. To donate or find out more about the Benevenagh Ramble visit the team's Just Giving charity page at: www.justgiving.com/MBOND