Belfast based tech entrepreneurs Mark Dowds (RESPONSIBLE) and Roger Johnston (Axial 3D,) plus twenty-four fellow business owners, are set to trek across Ireland - scaling twenty-six mountains along the way - in a marathon fundraiser for charity Cancer Fund for Children, and they’re close to their fundraising target of £1 million thanks to the support of U2’s The Edge and singer Foy Vance.
Dowds, who is in remission from cancer himself, said his own cancer journey and recovery inspired him to help children and their families who go through diagnoses and treatment journeys which can be tough for even the strongest adults.
He said: “Myself and Roger together recruited 24 entrepreneurs from across the island of Ireland to hike 26 ‘high points’ covering all 32 counties over nine days between 7-15 June 2025, and we’re challenging ourselves to raise £1million for the Cancer Fund for Children in the process.”
“During the challenge our team will climb nearly 11,000m, which is 1.25 times the height of Mount Everest from sea-level, so no mean feat; however conquering cancer - especially for a child or young person - can feel just as insurmountable.”.
As part of the fundraising efforts, Dowds and Johnston have called upon entrepreneurial peers and groups to support with donations. This included Endeavor Ireland, a global network for high-impact, scaling entrepreneurs with whom the pair completed a scale-up programme in 2024. MD Aileen Hayes is one of the 26 climbers.
A passionate believer in entrepreneurship’s power to transform communities, Founding Chairman of Endeavor Ireland, The Edge, supported the campaign through a fundraiser last week at Titanic Belfast where he took part in a ‘fireside chat’ Q&A, explaining some of his personal reasons for getting involved, as well as sharing his motivations behind supporting entrepreneurship on the island of Ireland, inspired by his experience with U2.
The Edge said: “We have seen first-hand through Endeavor Ireland how the single-mindedness and determination of a small group can be transformative. I am very happy to support this group of entrepreneurs, including friends of Endeavor, as they take on this huge challenge of fundraising £1 million for the great work of the Cancer Fund for Children.”
A previous event, which took place at Ormiston House, an award-winning baronial style mansion house restored in 2020 by jewellery retailer Pete Boyle, featured an intimate performance by singer Foy Vance and on its own raised over £100,000.
Vance, who is signed to Ed Sheeran’s record label and supported Sheeran on tour said: “This is an incredible challenge with a strong mission to support families across Ireland. Cancer touches every family in some way and unfortunately, it’s often the most vulnerable who need help most.”
“I’ve been a friend of Mark’s for a long time, so was delighted to see him and many fellow business leaders stand up and show their philanthropic sides. Supporting this event was the easiest yes, and I’m so humbled to know that the monies raised will change the lives of thousands of children and young people.”
Maria Small, Partnership and Philanthropy Advisor from Cancer Fund for Children said: “We are so grateful to Mark, Roger and all the incredible participants undertaking the 26 Mountains to Mayo challenge in aid of Cancer Fund for Children. Their collective fundraising efforts to date have raised over £800,000 and we are confident that the £1million target for this event will be smashed with their efforts, and the support of the campaign sponsor Arachas Corporate Brokers. Every week in Ireland, approximately three children and young people (aged 0-24) are diagnosed with cancer. The money raised through both of these epic events and the challenge itself, will help us provide vital services so these children and their families don’t have to face cancer alone”.
Former Ireland rugby captain Rory Best, who successfully raised over £2million between two walks in 2021-2023, pledged his support to this year’s team saying: "As someone who has had the privilege of walking alongside incredible people during the Miles to Mayo journey, I’m humbled to see the baton being picked up once again for such a vital cause. This campaign is more than just a challenge, it’s a lifeline for children and families battling the toughest fight of their lives. Together, we’ll continue to prove the power of community and make sure no child faces cancer alone."
To support the campaign, log on to https://www.26m2m.com/home or donate directly via https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/26mountains2mayo
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