By Gabrielle Swan
A BALLYGALGET mother tackled Macmillan Cancer’s 26-mile Mighty Hike along the North Coast last weekend, raising £850 for the charity.
Taking to the scenic walking routes of the North Coast was local woman, Audrey McGreevy, who was greeted at the finish line by her proud husband Kenny and their daughter, four year-old Meabh.
The Mighty Hike sees thousands of walkers from across the UK take part at several areas of natural beauty, including the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland.
The 26-mile hike took walkers from Ballycastle, towards the Giant’s Causeway and then to the beaches of Portrush, before hikers completed their long journey in the grounds of Ulster University’s Coleraine campus.
Moved by her own family’s experience with cancer, Audrey was inspired to put on her walking shoes to raise funds.
“It is obviously a cause very close to our own hearts,” said the local mother. “My own family had their own run-ins with cancer.
“It just felt like giving something back. This awful disease hits so many families, so it’s good to support the great work that Macmillan do to support people.
“On the day, the atmosphere was unreal. There were thousands of people who participated and we took off in different waves over the course of the morning.
“We got to hear about other participants’ journeys, why they were here, and the different reasons for taking part, it was very emotional.
“I felt that I was able to do something that a lot of people, through no fault of their own, may not be able to experience. I thought it was lovely that I could give something back, thank God I am fit and healthy enough that I can do that,” she added.
With support from Magellan Aerospace, Audrey also received donations from Portaferry Fire and Rescue Service, of which her father David Denvir is the Watch Commander.
“The support I received from everyone was great, from friends and my family. My father is a local firefighter in Portaferry Fire and Rescue, so the firefighters there gave me great sponsorship,” said Audrey.
“I started training in January, doing around 30 miles a week doing some hill training in Newtownards.
“At the end of the hike, I was overwhelmed to be honest. Emotionally overwhelmed too. It was great to see my husband and my little girl at the finish line as well, and everyone else.
“It was lovely, Macmillan took very good care of us with lots of dinner for everyone and lovely medals too. I can’t believe it is over now and I don’t have any training to do,” added the Ballygalet woman.