Concern Inishowen walk to raise funds for causes in 27 countries
Concern’s work began during the Biafran crisis in the late sixties and the organisation continues to support work in 27 countries where natural disasters, global warming and war have caused difficulties we would find difficult to imagine
The annual Concern Scalp Mountain walk will take place on Sunday, June 28.
The walk is organised every year in support of the work of Concern Worldwide in some of the poorest countries in the world. All are welcome and walkers are asked to begin between 12.00 and 2.00 pm on the day.
For the past 16 years the Derry Concern Group has relied on the generosity of Henry McLaughlin and his family who have allowed us access to the mountain and the use of his fields for parking.
The beginning of the walk is on a minor road about a mile and a half from the main Derry to Buncrana Road with the turnoff being well signposted from Burnfoot village.
Scalp Mountain is over 1,500 ft but the walk itself is about 1,000 feet. There is a concrete road leading to the summit which makes the walk itself very safe. Sensible shoes such as trainers are recommended and given the Irish weather it is always best to plan for colder temperatures and rain.
Concern volunteers monitor safety issues. Water and refreshments are available.
The Derry Concern Group has always placed special emphasis on the participation of family groups. Last year the McAuley family from Derry made something of a record when four generations of their family took part.
Many children as young as seven have completed the walk in the past but there is no upper limit on sprightly veterans. Local people have given generous support to Concern Worldwide for over forty years.
We are hoping that this will continue with a great turnout for this year’s Scalp climb.The purpose of the walk is to raise funds for Concern Worldwide.
Concern’s work began during the Biafran crisis in the late sixties. Concern continues to support work in 27 countries where natural disasters, global warming and war have caused difficulties we would find difficult to imagine.
Concern is hugely grateful for the support the people from Derry, Donegal and further afield have contributed over the years.
Those taking part can make a voluntary donation to Concern. It is only sensible to ask where this money will be spent. Concern remains in disaster areas for decades long after the world’s press loses interest.
Since its beginnings, Concern's main emphasis has been on fighting hunger and supporting food security. It also provides help in health, education and gender issues.
Like many charities seeking to improve the lives of the poorest people in our troubled World, Concern Worldwide is under enormous pressure to continue their valuable work. Both the US and Britain have significantly reduced their contribution to their work in the Developing World placing huge pressure on voluntary organisations like Concern.
In view of this, even if they cannot attend the walk on Sunday, there are a number of ways readers can contribute to Concern: the Concern bookshop in Shipquay Street accepts donations, you may consider a more significant contribution in terms of a direct debit or an end of life gift in their will. Details of which can be found on the Concern Worldwide website.