From Carrick-a-rede to Carrickfergus: Graham takes on 17-hour trek for Blesma and Macmillan Cancer Support
A Carrickfergus man has raised thousands of pounds for two worthy causes after taking on a 17-hour, non-stop trek from the north coast to his home town.
Graham Fergus set off from Carrick-a-rede rope bridge on Friday, September 18, walking an incredible 64 miles and 126,000 steps to arrive the following morning at Carrickfergus Castle.
Dubbed Operation EPIX, the physical feat was organised in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and Blesma – a charity that helps serving and ex-Service men and women who have lost limbs, or lost the use of limbs or eyes.
Explaining why he chose the organisations, Graham (49) told of how, as a veteran, he knew individuals who had been supported by Blesma.
His desire to fundraise for Macmillan, meanwhile, was motivated by a friend who was a breast cancer survivor. “She had went to the doctor with what she thought was a sports injury, but it turned out to be stage 4 cancer. She’s still doing marathons and bike races and keeping fit and active - she’s a big inspiration to me,” he added.
Through Operation EPIX, he hopes to make a difference to those who rely on the charities’ support services. “If you were serving your country and went to war, and as a result you came back home missing a limb or multiple limbs – think of what those people have to deal with every day,” Graham said.
“And then if you’re in the later stages of cancer diagnosis, and you need help – who pays your bills, who looks after your family? Think of the pain that those people go through with cancer, never mind how excruciating it it for the treatments they have to have. If you are someone who gets help from Blesma, if you are someone who gets help from Macmillan Cancer, I’m doing this for you.”
Donations to During Operation EPIX can still be made online at https://www.gofundme.com/f/operation-epix
Meanwhile, it’s not the first time that Graham has taken to the great outdoors to raise money for a cause close to his heart.
In 2025, he spent 10 days in the Mourne Mountains with no tent and only emergency provisions as part of Operation HOME.
The challenge, which saw him cover 94 miles and five summits, raised over £12,000 for organisations supporting homeless people.