Business leaders take on 26 Mountains to Mayo in aid of Cancer Fund for Children

A team of over 20 business leaders from across the island of Ireland, the UK and USA kicked off their 26 Mountains 2 Mayo challenge this week in aid of Cancer Fund for Children, a charity that empowers, connects and strengthens children, young people and families impacted by cancer.

From June 7 to 15, these dedicated supporters will climb the highest point in each county across Ireland with the aim of raising €1,000,000 so Cancer Fund for Children can provide vital services to even more families across the island of Ireland.

Starting with Errigal in Donegal, they will cover the hills and mountains across Ulster, before moving into Connaught, across to Leinster and down to Munster, and then making their way back to Connaught for the final leg. The mountains they are taking on includes Mweelrea in Mayo.

The team will be putting their physical and mental endurance to the test to climb nearly 11,000m in total, which is 1.25 times the height of Mount Everest.

Challenge organiser Roger Johnston, CEO of Axial3D, said: “In 2023, I had the privilege of walking a leg of Rory Best's challenge, when he walked over 330km from Dublin to Mayo to raise money for Cancer Fund for Children. I was amazed at how he and the charity mobilised whole communities and businesses to raise vital funds.

“I was inspired to develop this 26 Mountains 2 Mayo challenge and working with the charity over the past few months to bring this idea to life has just reinforced to me the scale of care that they provide in every county.

“Our team spans continents, industries and professions and I am so excited to come together with everyone to prepare for this gruelling challenge and to take on the peaks themselves so that this incredible charity can be there for more families who need them, in every county and every community.”

Rugby legend and Cancer Fund for Children ambassador Rory Best said: “As someone who has had the privilege of walking alongside incredible people during my Miles to Mayo journey, I’m humbled to see the baton being picked up once again for such a vital cause. The Mountains to Mayo campaign is more than just a challenge - it’s a lifeline for children and families battling the toughest fight of their lives. Ensuring they can be treated like the stars they are.

“To everyone lacing up their boots, pushing their limits, or simply spreading the word, I salute you. This is about more than the journey - it’s about making a real difference. Let’s dig deep, stay strong, and keep climbing.”

This campaign is sponsored by Arachas Corporate Brokers, Ireland’s largest nationwide insurance broker and part of the Ardonagh Group.

Joey Wynne, CEO of Arachas Corporate Brokers, added: “We are incredibly proud to support the 26 Mountains 2 Mayo challenge and stand alongside these inspiring business leaders in aid of Cancer Fund for Children. This charity is very close to the hearts of our people in Arachas.

“The two previous Miles to Mayo challenges in 2021 and 2023, which raised €2 million and helped inspire this challenge, hold special memories for us. Being part of that community force has built a unique bond with Cancer Fund for Children and a huge appreciation for what they do and the many people they help. Backing the 26-Mountain Challenge allows us to pull together again, putting into action our values of resilience, teamwork, and commitment.”

You can find out more about this challenge, including how to support, here. You can find out more about Cancer Fund for Children by visiting cancerfundforchildren.com.