A Co Down man is taking to the Mourne mountains 365 times this year in a bid to raise funds for helping those living with autism.
Raymond McDonald came up with the idea after his own family's experience with their daughter Sadie.
He is climbing Slieve Martin once every day this year, doing it more than once if he misses a day, in order to achieve his goal.
Read more: Culture mesh in the Mournes marks iconic Indian festival
"There's an annual thing where we're from in Rostrevor, called Cairnuary, the whole idea is that in January, everybody walks up it once," he said.
"Last year, we thought our daughter had autism, and we're still waiting for the diagnosis, but we're 90% sure that it is, so I thought I'd maybe try and do something for autism groups.
"I'd been chatting to people about Autism NI and they seem to be an umbrella group for a lot of the other groups, so I thought it would be good to raise funds for them."
Raymond said the challenge was not as bad as he first feared.
"I just thought if I climbed this mountain 365 times, that would do it, I've nearly 80 so far," he said.
"It's not too bad, not as bad as I thought it was going to be - it's just when I'm away and have to try and get caught up.
"It's getting a bit easier now with the longer evenings.
"I've different friends there that will come with me all the time, a few might do one time a week so it's good.
"The wet and dark evenings weren't great there but sometimes if you're on your own you stick the earphones in and away you go."
He is keeping one eye on the finish line, but said the most important thing is that awareness and funds are raised for people living with autism.
"I'm aiming for New Year's Eve for wrapping up, I'm just going for it, I might never go up on the mountain again after that!" he added.
"I'm just trying to raise awareness, that's the main thing.
"Those with autism can struggle every day, so it's not about me, it's important the focus is on them."
Raymond is raising funds through a JustGiving Page, which can be found here.
READ NEXT:
- Inside My Wedding: Couple's special day at Orange Tree House
- New Lost Garden Trail to open at luxury Co Down estate
- Young Co Down fundraiser encourages support for Daffodil Appeal
- Tributes to Northern Ireland mental health nurse after short battle with cancer
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
