Slieve Donard. Photo: Albert Bridge CC-BY-SA-2.0

A children’s cancer charity is looking for walkers willing to tackle Northern Ireland’s highest mountain to raise funds for their cause.

CLIC Sargent will hold its third Mourne Challenge at the end of next month and wants volunteers to make the ascent of Slieve Donard.

Participants will be guided on the route by qualified staff for the climb of the 850m (2,789ft) peak, the highest in both Northern Ireland and Ulster.

Registration costs £20 and participants are asked to raise a minimum of £75 in sponsorship when they take part.

A spokesperson for the charity said: “Those up for the thrill and adventure of taking on Northern Ireland’s highest mountain will help raise funds for CLIC Sargent’s Homes from Home appeal, which aims to build free self-catering accommodation close to the Belfast hospitals.

“CLIC Sargent will be there every step of the way offering support and encouragement to supporters as they scale the heights for children with cancer.”

Slieve Donard, the king of the Mourne Mountains, rises above the County Down coastal resort of Newcastle and its ascent is normally made by a well-defined though partly eroded path.

Any walkers interested in taking part in the event on Saturday 29 September are asked to contact Claire McAuley on 028 9072 5780 or email her.