THE GIANT'S CAUSEWAY MIGHTY HIKE

Hi Everyone! My name is Paula McIvor and on Saturday 25th June I will be taking part in the The Macmillan Mighty Causeway Hike. This is a 26 mile marathon over hilly terrain - starting just outside Ballycastle and finishing at Coleraine Univeristy.

My main aim for doing (and hopefully completing) this Hike is because I made a promise to my friend, Marie McGuckin who sadly passed away on Friday 13th May after only a short battle with Cancer. On the 15th February I told Marie that I had signed up for the Hike and that she was my inspiration to do it, to which she replied, "this has honestly brought me to tears. That is such an amazing thing to do and if I had the strength I would do it with you." So I know that Marie will be with us every step of the way.

I will be met at the halfway point by my good friends, Aislinn Conway and Aisling McNally. Aisling is a Nurse in Antrim Area hospital and specifically in the Haematology/Oncology and Renal ward. Aisling deals on a daily basis with Cancer patients of all ages - from young teenagers to the eldery. Aisling sees the impact that this disease has on people and their families. She sees the worst-case scenarios, and she also sees the other side too - the happier endings but either way she understands just how much help is needed for those affected by this cruel disease. Aisling works alongside the Macmillan Team who regularly care and provide support for her patients. She understands the importance of this Charity.

We originally joined this Hike as part of the O'Hare Team and there will be approximately 20 local men and women taking part in either the full or half marathon Hike. The team is being led by Andrea O'Hare. In 2017 Andrea was diagnosed with cervical cancer at only 35 years old. Today Andrea is joint ambassador and owner of the local Fit-Miss keep-fit classes which are inspiring "women to empower women!" Andrea thankfully has a happier story to tell and she acknowledges that Macmillan were an unbelievable source of support to her during those dark days. We want to help Andrea give back.

There are very few of us who have not been affected by cancer either directly or indirectly, my own family specifically in 2005 when my cousin Adrian Heaney passed away at only 26 years of age after only a 4 week battle.

Therefore we know and appreciate just how amazing charities such as Macmillan (and the likes) can be.

We would be extremely grateful for any donations - no matter how big or how small, to help us reach and hopefully exceed our £1000 target. Every penny counts.

All monies go directly to the Macmillan Charity to enable them to continue carrying out their fantastic work.

Wish us luck! :)