Belfast man set to take on Pyrenees challenge in name of charity
Last updated 28th Aug 2023
A Belfast man is set to take follow in the footsteps of those who used a famous World War Two escape route - all in the name of charity.
Steven Johnstone will face the Pyrenees Challenge's Frontline Walk. It takes place over six days, beginning in Toulouse on September 1st.
The trek will reach an elevation of 2,522 metres - which is almost double the height of the UK's tallest mountain.
The route, over tough terrain will cover a 45.5 kilometre distance over the course, with each day participants walking 11-14 kilometres.
Steven is hoping to raise funds for the Cancer Fund for Children.
He told Downtown/Cool FM: "I was really looking at doing something to mark my 50th birthday.
"I looked at various things in the Rockies and Alaska, but decided on the Pyrenees. I thought if I was going to put myself through all the training, I may as well do it for charity.
"Going back to school days - I went to BRA - I was keen on rugby and swimming.
"I have done triathlons, duathlons, and I'm a qualified mountain rescue.
"For my 40th birthday I did the Great North Run for Chest, Heart and Stroke."
He has outlined though just how difficult this challenge will be.
"You can't really prepare for this one locally - you are talking two-and-a-half times the height of the Mournes.
"I suppose the challenge is doing over the five nights, and getting up to a height which is altitude sickness - there's no way you can prepare for that, but just to be as fit as possible. That is what I've been doing really since March this year, intensifying the training."
And as well as the physical challenge of the event, Stephen also knows of the mental battles to come with it too:
"To me the mental attitude is 90% of the battle. You can be reasonably unfit going into it or carrying a niggle and you'll still get into it if you have the mental challenge.
"I'm probably at my peak for my age, I'm probably even fitter now than I was at 25, so I can't wait to get going for it."
Phil Alexander, the CEO of Cancer Fund for Children said: “What Steven is doing for his 50th birthday challenge is incredible and will go along way in helping Cancer Fund for Children to ensure that children and young people do not have to face cancer alone.
"Every week in Northern Ireland three children and young people are diagnosed with cancer and many more are struggling to cope with their parent’s diagnosis.
"The funds Steven raise will help us provide emotional and social support to these young people as well as short breaks for the whole family in Daisy Lodge, our therapeutic centre in Newcastle Co. Down.
"Here families can spend time quality together in a safe and nurturing environment and meet other families experiencing cancer.”
Anyone interested in donating to Stephen's fundraising can find it at https://www.justgiving.com/page/steven-johnston-1689665944911