33km, 9,800ft, One Cause: Watertight Trio Take on the Mourne Wall

The training has started! This August, three members of the Watertight team will be stepping outside of their comfort zone to take on one of the UK and Ireland’s toughest endurance hikes, all in support of an important cause.

On 15 August, Benn Cudworth, Jonnie Cunningham and Daniel Burgess will be tackling the Mourne Wall Challenge, a demanding 33km route across the Mourne Mountains, with a total ascent of approximately 9,800ft and an estimated completion time of 14 hours.

Widely recognised as one of Northern Ireland’s most challenging endurance events, the route follows the historic stone wall that crosses some of the highest peaks in the region, testing both physical stamina and mental resilience.

A challenge with purpose

While the scale of the challenge is significant, the motivation behind it is even greater.

The team is undertaking the hike in support of Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, a charity that provides vital support to individuals and families affected by cancer.

Every year in Northern Ireland over 10,000 people are diagnosed with cancer, around 4,600 people lose their lives to the disease, and an estimated 80,000 people are currently living with cancer.

Cancer Focus Northern Ireland works on the front line, supporting people through some of the most difficult moments – from counselling and practical support to education and early detection programmes, their work provides not just help, but hope, to thousands of people.

Pushing beyond comfort zones

For Benn, Jonnie and Daniel, this challenge represents a personal test, demanding long hours on the go, across tough terrain and elevation and pushing through both mental and physical fatigue. The team will be sharing updates on their training in the lead-up to the challenge, giving a behind-the-scenes look at their preparations.

Benn Cudworth: “While the challenge will be tough, it serves as a reminder to us all of the far greater challenges faced every day by those affected by cancer. Any support, whether through a donation or simply sharing our journey, would mean a great deal.  Every contribution, no matter the size, will help to make a real difference.”

Follow the journey, support the cause and help us to cheer them on - more details are available here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/watertightmournewall

For more details on Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, visit: https://cancerfocusni.org/