This article was written by Suzanne Wylie, CEO, NI Chamber
Just before Christmas 2025, I made a significant decision for 2026 – one which was to change how I spent practically every weekend from then until today! It wasn’t really a New Year’s Resolution, more the result of some serious arm twisting by an NI Chamber member, Roger Johnston of Axial 3D, and like most things in life – TIMING. Roger’s passion for raising funds for Cancer Fund for Children was, and is, phenomenal which makes the answer to “will you walk 235 miles in 9 days through Ireland and raise at least £50,000 personally?” hard to say no to – honestly!
I had also just hit a milestone birthday and was in a bit of denial and I guess, this, combined with the fact that I had met the Charity, seen first hand the amazing Daisy Lodge and the dedication and motivation of the CFC team, the previous summer, meant I said YES, but without really knowing what I was letting myself in for.
So from February, I and my 20 new walking partners from both north and south have been in training. This is not just any sponsored walk, it entails walking 26.2 miles a day for 9 consecutive days 9 – a test of stamina, endurance and tough legs and feet! I have climbed the mountains of Switzerland, walked the Coffin Way in Achill, circumnavigated Jersey, hiked in the Mournes, trailed the North Coast and now know every inch of the Lagan Tow Path and the North Down Coastal Path. I seen the most beautiful scenery, had the best craic getting to know many of my fellow walkers, bought three new pairs of trainers, about 15 pairs of walking socks, used many a Compede, enlisted a physio and eaten more than ever before.
As I sit here today, just a few days out, I am not sure if I am ready! None of us has ever done this before and probably will never do anything quite like this again. I ache already! But then I think of the work that CFC does and the difference raising these funds will make to families going through the most difficult of times and keep telling myself if I am not ready now – I will never be. And of course we will have Rory Best to lead us out and some great camaraderie to look forward to along the way.
I owe it to all of my sponsors (almost hit my target) to rise to the challenge, starting this Saturday 12th September from Ebrington Square in the North West. You can see our route here and also where people might be able to support us along the way. I am so very grateful to everyone and every company that has backed me and taken part in the fund raisers such as the NI Chamber 5k run – I can’t thank you enough!
We have lots of more fundraising planned along the way, starting with a Business Breakfast in Derry early before we set out and will be visiting sporting venues, hospitals and well known spots across the country. We will keep you up to speed on LinkedIn and Instagram. All of us expect blisters, sore hips, legs, backs and feet and will need your continued support to get us into Cong on 20th September. But for now, please wish us luck and if you have yet to sponsor us the link is here.
