I hope to raise money for the charity Emerge Counselling by completing a hike through the Mourne mountains.

Emerge is a suicide and self-harm prevention centre based in Lisburn, Northern Ireland. They started in March 2019 and offer 1 to 1 counselling to all members of the community who may be struggling with their mental health.

The organisation was created due to a recent surge of suicides and the loss of a much loved family member.

Emerge aim to provide immediate and effective counselling, befriending and training from their new crisis centre.

The subject of mental health is a subject very close to my heart having experienced mental health issues myself and having to witness close friends and family go through suffering because of their mental health.

Unfortunately society, until recently, never fully understood the devasting impact mental health issues can have on individuals and families.

I plan to complete a hike in the Mourne mountains over the weekend of the 27th/28th July 2019.

Day 1 I will complete the Slieve Donnard, Commedagh and Bernagh route which is a route of approx. 24.14km

Day 2 I will complete the Tullymore Forest and Drinns route which is a approx 13.60km.

I aim to complete the total 37.74km route over this weekend in as fast as time as I can, and will be carrying equipment weighing approx 40lbs.

Any support would be greatly appreciated and if you would like to particpate in this event with me, please contact me.

If you would like more information on Emerge please contact the Executive Director, Samantha Evans on 02892445060.