Belfast lawyer to run 400 kilometres in aid of mental health
Belfast lawyer Chris Ross, managing partner of McKees, is to complete a gruelling 400-kilometre off-road run in aid of Young Social Innovators and Positive Steps Outdoors.
Mr Ross will be joined by Roger Warnock, chief executive of Young Social Innovators, and Alan Elwood, founder of Positive Steps Outdoors, as they take on the Cape Wrath Ultra.
The “Three Amigos” depart for the Scottish Highlands on Sunday, where they will spend eight days undertaking the challenge, which includes a total climb of 10,000 metres — the equivalent of Mount Everest.
Mr Ros said: “Northern Ireland has some of the highest levels of mental ill-health among children and young people in Europe.
“Alan and Roger both lead two fantastic local organisations that are working hard to support young people and collectively, we are aiming to help raise much-needed funds to help support these great initiatives.
“For eight days, we will be stretching our own mental and physical capabilities when we take part in The Cape Wrath Ultra, a 400km running adventure through the Scottish Highlands.
“Only one in three people manage to complete this challenge, but we have been training hard and are well prepared and confident that we’ll complete it together, in aid of young people across NI.”
Young Social Innovators is Ireland’s largest youth-led social innovation charity with a global footprint and aims to help young people feel inspired, empowered and equipped to change the world for good.
Positive Steps Outdoors is a social enterprise born out of the vision that connecting people to the natural environment and each other helps individuals and teams manage life’s pressures, build sustainable networks, and strengthen future resilience. The organisation facilitates self-care by enabling people to escape to the outdoors, engaging in ‘green therapy’ to benefit their mental and physical wellbeing.
The Amigos are hoping to raise over £20,000 in aid of Young Social Innovators and Positive Steps Outdoors and are accepting donations via JustGiving.