Pair set to climb new heights in 32-peak charity challenge

12 February 2025

TWO friends will be reaching new heights when they climb 32 peaks around the island of Ireland this spring for causes very close to their hearts.

Philip Stewart, from Saintfield, and Chris Forsythe, from Seaforde, both 29, will be hiking to the highest point in all 32 counties over one long weekend in April to raise money for the charities Brain Injury Matters and Parkinson’s UK.

Starting in Mweelrea Mountain in Co Mayo and finishing in Co Donegal on Mount Errigal, the pair will be covering over 180km on foot and will climb more than 10,250 metres in elevation.

Philip explained the motivation behind the mammoth hike.

“Myself and Chris have been great friends for a number of years and have taken on a few big challenges in aid of our chosen charities, but this is by far the hardest challenge we’ve set ourselves,” he said.

“A huge part of our relationship revolves around hiking and seeking adventures, so we thought this was a great chance to visit some of the nicest areas our country has to offer while setting ourselves a hard task to overcome for two incredible charities – it makes it all worthwhile.”

The work of Brain Injury Matters and Parkinson’s UK is very close to home for Philip and Chris.

Philip’s brother, James, was involved in a car accident when he was 17 which left him paralysed, disabled and with a severe brain injury to his brain stem, ending his footballing career and changing his and his family’s lives forever.

“He died three times at the scene and had a very long list of injuries,” Philip explained.

“He was never meant to survive, we had to go up and say our goodbyes three or four times which was very tough, but it is an absolute miracle that he is still with us today and doing things we would never have imagined.

“Brain Injury Matters has helped him more than we could ever have imagined and completely changed his quality of life and are still doing so on a weekly basis which we are forever grateful for, and which is why I try to raise vital funds for them every year as a thank you to them.”

Chris’ grandfather Brian, who helped inspire his love for hiking, has suffered with Parkinson’s disease for around 11 years.

“It has been very hard for his family to watch as he was a huge family man,” Philip said.

“He was actually the first person to ever take Chris into the Mournes when he was as young as four years old and teach him to appreciate the natural beauty that the mountains provide,” Philip explained.

“Chris’ grandad has deteriorated quite rapidly over the last few months which is giving us both the drive and determination to try and take action and make a change for the future lives of the individuals and families that will suffer with this illness.”

Due to the scale of this fundraiser, the local men are seeking a number of sponsors from individuals, businesses or teams/groups to help fund the fuel and nutrition they will need as they hike and drive between each of the 32 highest peaks on the island.

“We are very appreciative of anyone who donates to our fundraising page as it isn’t possible without everyone’s generous donations,” Philip said.

“No contribution is too small as every donation helps someone in need and allows both charities to continue to do amazing things.”

You can visit Philip and Chris’ fundraising page here: https://gofund.me/faaf7198

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