In an extraordinary show of grit, endurance, and purpose, a group of business leaders from Ireland and the US recently completed a challenge unlike any other: climbing the highest peak in every one of Ireland’s 32 counties, all in just nine days.
Called 26 Mountains 2 Mayo, the challenge covered 218 km of hiking, 11,000 metres of elevation gain, and 2,763 km of driving, as the team ticked off 26 unique mountains (some counties share the same high point) across the island. Their mission? To raise funds for Cancer Fund for Children, a charity providing crucial emotional and practical support to families navigating the realities of childhood cancer.
The challenge, which has already raised over £1.3 million, was the brainchild of Roger Johnston, together with Graeme Neill and Mark Dowds, in collaboration with friends of Outsider.ie Stride Ireland and Cancer Fund for Children. It’s the latest in a series of bold fundraising efforts designed to change lives, one step and summit at a time.
We caught up with one of the mountain guides who helped lead the team through every ascent. Their journey with the group began months earlier:
“We first met Roger during an Earth’s Edge training weekend for Everest Base Camp. His passion for adventure and purpose-driven challenges was infectious, and when he shared his vision for 26 Mountains 2 Mayo, we knew we wanted to be part of it.”
As guides, their role was to safely lead the team over Ireland’s diverse mountain landscapes, managing routes, pacing, and group morale through long days of hiking and tough weather conditions.
“One moment that really stood out was watching the team dig deep on day seven, despite fatigue, sore legs, and tough weather. There was no giving up — just a powerful sense of purpose, unity, and determination to finish what they started. Seeing people come together like that, driven by a cause bigger than themselves, was incredibly moving.”
While the guides focused on the mountain terrain, CFFC ensured the team was cared for between climbs, providing food, rest, and logistical support to keep the challenge rolling.
The campaign stands as a reminder of what’s possible when adventure meets impact — and how the outdoors can become a vehicle for real change. As the team reached their final summit in Mayo, they carried with them not only the physical weight of the journey, but the emotional weight of the cause they championed.
For more information or to support the campaign, visit www.26M2M.com.
