A CO Tyrone woman who began hiking the Mournes to cope with mental health issues is planning to undertake a huge challenge which will see her attempt to lap Slieve Donard 36 times.
Helen McLoughlin, who is a personal trainer, took up hiking earlier this year after experiencing mental health difficulties.
The 33-year-old, who lives in Dungannon but owned a gym in Armagh prior the Covid-19 pandemic, is hoping to raise funds for the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team, who came to her aid last month when she became disoriented during a hike.
She said she took up hiking after experiencing mental ill-health, which had been worsened by the lockdown and subsequent closure of her business.
Having sought help, she had been doing well until February when she said she "hit rock bottom" and felt she had "no way out".
Having left her home in her pyjama bottoms and slippers, the young woman found herself on a motorway bridge.
However, she was spotted by a female off-duty PSNI officer, who called for help, and thanks also to a passer-by who recognised Helen from her hiking interests, she was led to safety and taken home.
Following this, she changed her course of medical treatment.
"Christmas and New Year were really hard," she said.
"The gym was locked down and it was `here we go again'. Christmas with no income and the uncertainty.
"I had no-one to turn to and I just gave up.
"I had lost my business and I had isolated myself away from the world as I couldn't fake the smiles any more."
As well as her medical treatment, Helen said she also focused on her hiking to boost her mental health.
"I am addicted to it now," she said.
"It is a healthy thing to be addicted to. The people I meet up there, they don't know you. You have the same interests and all you do is talk about hiking.
"It helps to clear your mind. The Mournes themselves are so beautiful and after it, you are going to feel better. It lets you forget about everything. You are just enjoying it. It takes you away from reality for a while."
On May 29, Helen will attempt to climb Slieve Donard, from the saddle to the summit and descend again, 36 times, a challenge which she hopes to complete in 20 hours.
Having set up a Go Fund Me page, she is raising funds for the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team, who came to her aid last month when she became disorientated during a hike.
So far, she has raised more than £2,500.
"I needed help and Mourne Mountain Rescue Team helped me," she said
"They are 100 per cent volunteers. They are not funded and I don't think people realise how much they could need them and how good they are.
"The mountains saved me and that's why I am giving back."
:: Donations can be made at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/helen-mcloughlin1. Anyone in distress can contact Lifeline on 0800 808 8000 or the Samaritans on 116 123.
