Scalp Mountain charity walk declared a great success
Local volunteers and families team up to secure £3,700 for vital humanitarian work
The annual Concern Scalp walk up Scalp Mountain was a huge success this year.
The Derry Concern volunteer group and the volunteers from Belfast were delighted with the response of those who took part: “Congratulations to all those who made it up and down the mountain. We were blessed with great weather for their walk. In previous years we have had to battle against the elements with rain cold and high winds.
"This year we picked a perfect day with no rain, sunshine and just a bit of a gale at the top. There was a good mix of those taking part, all ages from people over eighty to families with very young children. Most were local people from Derry and Donegal but there were walkers from Belfast and elsewhere.
“Our thanks go to Henry McLaughlin and his family for allowing us access to the mountain and the use of his fields for parking. The walk has been the premier event of the local Derry Concern group for many years. It could not be possible without their cooperation.”
The walk is organised to raise funds for Concern Worldwide a charity which works with some of the poorest countries in the world. It works in 27 countries in total. Along with other charities it has helped with disasters in a number of countries: flooding in Mozambique, earthquakes in Afghanistan and Syria, wars in Ukraine and Gaza.
These places are briefly reported by the media but soon fade as another news interest takes over. Concern continues to work in these places for decades after the press has left. Their work concentrates on developing food security which is of crucial importance if a country wishes to develop. It also works in education, health and gender equality issues.
These projects all rely on the generosity of people. Continued support is of crucial importance in a climate where major donors such as the governments of Britain and the USA have reduced their support.
Concern Worldwide has had a presence in Derry for over forty years which has relied entirely on the generosity of local people. The Concern Bookshop in Ferryquay Street celebrated its tenth year recently becoming a major fund raiser for Concern. A new Concern Charity shop has recently opened in Castle Street and it is hoped it will be at least as successful as the book shop.
So far the Scalp Walk has raised £3,700. If you were not able to attend the walk, you can contribute directly to that total by using: www.justgiving.com/campaign/scalpwalk2026. The two Concern shops can always take individual contributions.
If you wish to make a more lasting contribution to Concern Worldwide, you can do so by contacting their website. You might consider a direct debit or a legacy in your will.