Farrans Climbs Mountain For UCF

One of NI's top construction sector companies is urging other firms to get their boots on to help raise funds for a cancer charity.

David Henry, Building Services Manager of Belfast-based contractor Farrans, who took part in last year's Ben Nevis Challenge with a group of 14 colleagues said that he would definitely encourage other companies to take part.

He joined with the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) in calling for local businesses to lace up their walking boots and take part in their annual mountain walk to raise funds for cancer patients and their families in Northern Ireland.

He said: "Ben Nevis was a great teambuilding exercise as we all helped and encouraged each other throughout the challenge.

"You really get to know your colleagues doing something like this which has had a positive impact in the workplace. Taking part in the challenge also improved the health and fitness of everyone involved, and most colleagues have continued with some form of exercise since," he explained.

Meanwhile, Neill Grainger from UCF who has led supporters to the top of Ben Nevis over 50 times said: "The Ben Nevis Challenge not only provides participants with an excellent opportunity to set themselves a unique personal challenge but is also a perfect teambuilding exercise and an ideal staff development event.

"Taking part is a fun and challenging way to boost staff morale whilst giving something back to the local community as participants are asked to raise sponsorship to support cancer patients and their families in Northern Ireland."

Participants can climb Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, which stands at 4,408ft on the following weekends: Friday 18th June – Sunday 20th June; Friday 30th July – Sunday 1st August and Friday 10th September – Sunday 12th September.

The average ascent takes around five hours and only three hours to come down.

UCF has now taken more than 4,500 walkers on challenge events, raising in excess of £2m pounds to provide vital services for cancer patients and their families in Northern Ireland.

Each participant is asked to pay a non-refundable booking fee of £50.00 and the minimum sponsorship required is £595.

Registration for this year's event is now open email sarahatcheson@ulstercancer.org

(BmCC/GK)