The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) is calling on local people to lace up their walking boots and take part in their annual Celtic Mountain Challenge to raise funds for cancer patients and their families in Northern Ireland.

The challenge is to climb four of the highest peaks in Ireland – Slieve Donard in Co Down, Errigal in Co Donegal, Croagh Patrick in Co Mayo and Lugnaquilla in Co Wicklow.

The event will run over the weekend of Friday 4th – Sunday 6th June and Friday 1st – Sunday 3rd October 2010.

Joyce Savage, Head of Appeals & Marketing said, “The Celtic Mountain Challenge is an excellent opportunity for people to set themselves a unique personal challenge. This is a tough challenge and not for the faint-hearted but it is a great way to give something back to the local community by raising money to support cancer patients and their families in Northern Ireland.”

Julie Sayers from Strabane will participate in this year’s challenge and says “I haven’t participated in an event like this before and with having a few cancer diagnoses in the family recently I feel that this event is a great opportunity to help other families who find themselves in a similar situation. I would urge others to sign up to take part in this exciting challenge and to give something back to charity”.

Registration is now open for the Celtic Mountain Challenge. To secure your place each participant is asked to pay a non-refundable booking fee of £75.00 and raise a minimum of £550 in sponsorship. Transport throughout the trip, hostel accommodation in Wicklow and a special celebratory meal are all provided.

If you would like further information please contact Sarah Atcheson at the Ulster Cancer Foundation on 028 9068 0765 or email sarahatcheson@ulstercancer.org

Contact: For further information please contact:

Pauline Wylie, PR & Events Manager, UCF on 02890663281 / 07810371118 or Derval McVerry, PR & Events Officer, UCF on 02890663281 / 07812525531