MANTIS Charity Hike: Making a Difference for Cancer Fund for Children

Every week, a shocking statistic reminds us of the urgent need for support: three children and young people in Northern Ireland receive a cancer diagnosis. This heartbreaking reality has spurred our team at MANTIS into action. We're proud to announce our own charity challenge, inspired by a truly monumental undertaking.
On Friday, 20th June, the MANTIS team will be swapping spreadsheets for hiking boots to conquer Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland's highest peak! This ascent isn't just about reaching the summit; it's about raising vital funds for the incredible Cancer Fund for Children. Following our hike, we'll be celebrating our collective effort with a team meal, strengthening our MANTIS community spirit.

Inspired by an Epic Challenge: Mark Dowds and 26 Mountains 2 Mayo

Our Slieve Donard hike is deeply connected to a wider, awe-inspiring fundraising initiative. MANTIS Chairman and Belfast-based tech entrepreneur, Mark Dowds, who knows firsthand the challenges of cancer through his personal experience and recovery, has united with 24 fellow business owners for the extraordinary 26 Mountains 2 Mayo (26M2M) challenge. Their mission is to trek through Ireland, conquering 26 of its highest peaks in just nine days – an incredible feat involving nearly 11,000 metres of ascent, 1.25 times the height of Mount Everest from sea level!
The 26M2M campaign has already made phenomenal progress towards its £1 million target for the Cancer Fund for Children. Mark’s powerful words resonate deeply with us: "conquering cancer - especially for a child or young person - can feel just as insurmountable" as climbing these mountains.
While Team MANTIS isn't taking on the full 26M2M, we are passionately supporting Mark and the campaign by undertaking our own demanding team challenge. We're proud to contribute to this amazing cause by tackling our local giant, Slieve Donard.

Why Cancer Fund for Children? A Lifeline for Families

Cancer Fund for Children provides indispensable practical, emotional, and financial support to over 1,500 children and young people (aged 0-24) affected by cancer each year, and their families. They are a listening ear during the toughest times, offering therapeutic short breaks, and crucial support in hospitals and homes across Ireland.

Their impact is profound:
They assist children diagnosed with cancer.
They support young people living with a parent facing cancer.
They offer families essential emotional, social, and therapeutic support.
They provide over 450 therapeutic short breaks annually.
Crucially, about 95% of families report they managed cancer better after receiving their support.
One of their havens, Daisy Lodge, is nestled at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, very near where Slieve Donard stands. This sanctuary allows families to create precious memories together, even amidst hardship. As Phil Alexander, CEO of Cancer Fund for Children, perfectly stated: "This campaign is more than just a challenge, it's a lifeline for children and families battling the toughest fight of their lives." Our climb ensures that fewer children have to face cancer alone.

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The MANTIS Hike: A Challenge with Purpose

Slieve Donard, standing proudly at 850m, is not just Northern Ireland's highest peak; it's a symbol of the mountains these children and their families strive to overcome daily.
The Climb: Our team will tackle the approximately 10km round trip, a trek that typically takes around 5 hours. We'll follow the well-known Glen River trail from Donard car park in Newcastle, passing through rich forests of pine, birch, and oak. The path will gradually steepen, leading us across several bridges over the river, before the final ascent to the summit via the saddle between Slieve Donard and Slieve Commedagh.
More Than a Mountain: Slieve Donard offers breathtaking views on clear days, potentially stretching to the Isle of Man, the Wicklow Mountains, and even peaks in Wales, Scotland, and Donegal. Named after Saint Donard, a disciple of Saint Patrick who established a prayer cell at its summit in the fifth century, the mountain also features the iconic Mourne Wall, a 1.5m high granite dry stone wall built between 1904 and 1922. It’s a peak with character, providing a meaningful backdrop for our fundraising efforts.
This challenge is a true MANTIS team effort. It's about teamwork, pushing our limits, enjoying the incredible outdoors, and most importantly, giving back.

Every Step, Every Pound Makes a Difference

Every single donation, no matter its size, will directly help Cancer Fund for Children continue their life-changing services.
Small gifts can purchase resources for Cancer Support Specialists, helping children share their fears in a safe space.
Larger donations might fund an hour of vital home support for a child coping with a parent's cancer diagnosis, or help send young people to programmes where they can learn coping skills alongside others in similar situations.

As Mark Dowds reminds us, "Together, we'll continue to make sure no child faces cancer alone."

Join Us in Making a Difference!

Your generous donation will provide crucial support and bring comfort to children and families affected by cancer. Please help us smash our fundraising target and make a lasting impact.
Support Team MANTIS on our Slieve Donard climb via our JustGiving page here
Learn more and support Mark Dowds' incredible 26M2M challenge here
Follow our journey and see updates on our MANTIS company social pages!
Thank you for your incredible support. Together, we can help Cancer Fund for Children provide light during the darkest of times.

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