Lisburn veteran Irwin Edgar hikes 690 miles in aid of charities

Lisburn based Army Veteran, Irwin Edgar has completed a gruelling 690 Charity Hike in aid of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and the NHS.
Irwin Edgar as Brodie Bear with Lisburn Mayor, Cllr Nicholas Trimble, Cllr Sorcha Eastwood and ABF Ambassadors Brenda and Alix HaleIrwin Edgar as Brodie Bear with Lisburn Mayor, Cllr Nicholas Trimble, Cllr Sorcha Eastwood and ABF Ambassadors Brenda and Alix Hale
Irwin Edgar as Brodie Bear with Lisburn Mayor, Cllr Nicholas Trimble, Cllr Sorcha Eastwood and ABF Ambassadors Brenda and Alix Hale

Recreating the distance from Helen’s Tower in Co Down to the Ulster Tower at the Somme, he made his efforts more memorable by being dressed as giant teddy bear.

Irwin said: “I think it’s important to remember the heroes of yesteryear as well as those of today. I’ve designed this hike to honour the sacrifice and courage of the 36th (Ulster) Division and to raise funds for our NHS charities and ABF to support those soldiers and veterans who might be struggling today.”

So far, Irwin has raised almost £4000 and a further £1000 has been raised by fellow veteran, Michael McConkey.

Crossing the finish lineCrossing the finish line
Crossing the finish line

Receiving the hikers at Lisburn’s Island Centre, Mayor, Councillor Nicholas Trimble said: “One of the joys of being the Mayor of a Garrison Town, is that I get to meet a good many of our service personnel and veterans. Meeting Irwin on the last leg of his journey was truly inspiring.”

Irwin’s hike finished at Wallace Park, where he crossed the line in the presence of Deputy Mayor Councillor Jenny Palmer and cheering supporters. However, that is not the end of Irwin’s story as he has decided to continue to put his best foot forward. Revealing on his Just Giving page that he will keep going, Irwin said: “Having completed the 690 mile challenge, I am going to continue to walk the route of the 36th Ulster Division whilst in Flanders and France. From Thiepval they moved to Mesen (Belgium), then Ypres (Belgium) before ending up in Cambria (France). This is approximately 117 miles, which I will round up to 120. I will walk six miles a day for 20 days, starting on July 12 and finishing on July 31.”