Causeway Lab Manager Completes Mourne Seven Summits Challenge for Cancer Focus NI

On 22 June 2019, Causeway Geotech’s Laboratory Manager, Stephen Watson  completed the Cancer Focus NI Mourne Seven Summits Challenge to raise money to help fund research at Queen’s University Belfast. This tough challenge involved climbing to the summit of all seven peaks in the Mourne Mountains, rising to above 700m above sea level: Slieve Donard, Slieve Commedagh, Slieve Bernagh, Slieve Meelmore, Slieve Meelberg, Slieve Binnian and Slieve Lamagan.  Over 8000 feet of climbing was endured, as well as trekking through a bog for 90 minutes.  The organisers failed to tell the hardy competitors that it was more like 11 peaks by time you had finished.

22.07 miles, 61,338 steps, 936 floors, and 12 hours 25 mins later…Stephen survived (relatively unscathed)!  450 competitors set out to complete this challenge with just over 250 managing to finish all 7 peaks.

Stephen takes up the story: “This was by far the most mentally and physically demanding challenge I have ever completed.  This is one adventure I feel I will never forget (or repeat!).”

“In term of fitness, I totally underestimated this challenge and after the completing the first two peaks, my calves and quads were feeling the burn.  I found myself on several occasions “digging deep” mentally, and constantly reminding myself of my motivation for signing up in the first place.  This reminder to myself and staying positive throughout helped me complete this challenge (as well as putting one foot in front of the other and trying not to look up).  Weather wise, I could not have asked for a better day.  The Mournes are stunning and the views from the peaks were spectacular. More importantly, I helped raised raise £820 for Cancer Focus NI!  Massive thank you to everyone who sponsored and encouraged me, including my colleagues and the company who were all extremely generous in their donations.”

Well done to Stephen on this fabulous achievement for an extremely worthy cause!