Peaks With a Purpose
A charity hike up Slieve Donard in memory of Sara Eakin and in support of the Cancer Fund for Children
Peaks with a Purpose is a charity hike organised by friends and colleagues, created to bring us together in memory of the late Sarah Eakin. This event honours Sarah’s courageous spirit and supports her family’s chosen charity Cancer Fund for Children, which provides life-changing care and support for children and families affected by cancer.
Cancer touches all of us. 1 in 2 people will be affected by it in their lifetime. It doesn’t discriminate, and it’s rare to find someone whose life hasn’t been impacted by this disease, whether through personal diagnosis or the loss of a loved one. When cancer affects a child, the journey becomes even more heart-breaking.
By taking part in Peaks with a Purpose, you are helping us raise vital funds to support this incredible charity. One that brings light, hope, and practical support to families during their darkest days.
Together, we walk for Sarah. We walk for the children. And we walk for a future with more healing, more hope, and more time.
A charity hike up Slieve Donard in memory of Sara Eakin and in support of the Cancer Fund for Children
Peaks with a Purpose is a charity hike organised by friends and colleagues, created to bring us together in memory of the late Sarah Eakin. This event honours Sarah’s courageous spirit and supports her family’s chosen charity Cancer Fund for Children, which provides life-changing care and support for children and families affected by cancer.
Cancer touches all of us. 1 in 2 people will be affected by it in their lifetime. It doesn’t discriminate, and it’s rare to find someone whose life hasn’t been impacted by this disease, whether through personal diagnosis or the loss of a loved one. When cancer affects a child, the journey becomes even more heart-breaking.
By taking part in Peaks with a Purpose, you are helping us raise vital funds to support this incredible charity. One that brings light, hope, and practical support to families during their darkest days.
Together, we walk for Sarah. We walk for the children. And we walk for a future with more healing, more hope, and more time.
How Do I Take Part?
- Register - Fill in a few details, agree to raise at least £50 for Cancer Fund for Children and get your free ticket
- Join The Just giving Page - Join our team Just Giving page here. Not have an account or not sure what to do? find out more here.
- Get Fundraising - Spread the campain among family, friends and social media to smash your £50 pledge.
- Get Training - The highest mountain in NI is no easy walk. Get the steps up in preparation for the big day. Your feet will thank you!
- The Big Day - Time to work for those donations. Join us at the top of Donard in memory of Sarah.
- BBQ Time - Enjoy some free grub at the end of the hike kindly provided by Old Barn Catering. Check them out here.
The Route
Start at Donard Car Park
Coordinates: 54.2090° N, 5.8866° W
Located at the edge of Donard Forest, this is the main parking area for Slieve Donard hikes. Toilets and cafes are nearby in Newcastle.
Enter Donard Forest
Cross the bridge over the Glen River.
Follow the Glen River Path—a well-maintained trail with a steady incline and beautiful forest scenery.
Pass waterfalls and small wooden footbridges as you ascend.
Follow the Glen River Valley
After around 2 km, the path exits the forest and continues along the river valley.
The Slieve Donard Saddle (between Slieve Donard and Slieve Commedagh) becomes visible.
Reach the Mourne Wall
After about 3.5 km, you’ll reach the famous Mourne Wall, a dry-stone wall that runs over 15 peaks.
Turn right and follow the wall steeply uphill to the summit.
Final Push to the Summit
The trail becomes rockier and steeper—watch your footing, especially in wet or windy conditions.
The summit is marked by a small stone shelter next to the Mourne Wall.
On a clear day, views stretch across the Mourne Mountains, the Irish Sea, and even to Scotland and the Isle of Man.
Return via the Same Route
Descend carefully along the wall back to the saddle.
Retrace your steps down the Glen River Valley and through Donard Forest to return to the car park.
Joining the Just Giving Team
Once you have registered, you will recieve a link to join the JustGiving team for the Hike. When you sign up, you will be asked to choose your activity and be presented with 3 options. Choose the 'i'm doing my own activity' option, and enter the details of the hike. you will then select your chosen target, we recomend £50 and aim to smash it!
You can then share your link on social media etc. to raise funds. Good luck!