It's hard to believe that exactly one week ago I was preparing to climb Ben Nevis. In the spring, a friend approached me to see if I'd be interested in doing a charity hike up the mountain. And, since I was beginning to take my fitness more seriously, I agreed.

This past weekend, my hiking partner John and I went for our final practise walk in the Mournes. It’s all in preparation for a trek up Ben Nevis on Saturday 17th September to raise funds for the Ulster Cancer Foundation.