The flag of Groggan Primary School is soon set to fly on Everest after travelling with the father of one of the school's pupils who has embarked on a gruelling challenge to raise money for Action Cancer.
Johnny Doey is one of three County Antrim men whose epic journey began last Saturday morning, 15 October, when they left Northern Ireland to travel to Kathmandu, Nepal. Surrounded by the Himalayan Mountains, the city is the starting point for many adventurer on the way to the world's tallest peaks.
Johnny, joined by friends Mark Mulholland and William Murray were inspired to take the trek to Everest Base Camp to raise funds for charity after each of them had loved ones impacted by cancer.
The three friends on the arduous journey to Everest Base Camp.
The journey and the climb itself is the culmination of weeks of training for the three big-hearted men who have been scaling peaks here in the north and south of Ireland in preparation.
Commenting on their fundraiser page, Mark said:
"Willy and Johnny and I are planning on trekking to Everest Base Camp in October this year. The charity we are fundraising for is Action Cancer. We have all unfortunately experienced the devastation a cancer diagnosis brings and continue to face it daily.
"Action Cancer is a Northern Ireland charity dedicated to saving lives and supporting people through cancer awareness, prevention, detection and support."
Principal of Groggan Primary School Cathy Humphrey, along with staff and pupils have been behind the trio from the start.
Speaking to Love Ballymena, Cathy said:
"In support of the Trek to Everest Base Camp, Groggan Primary School pupils had a non-uniform day to raise money for the charity, Action Cancer.
"Our pupils will also be taking part in a Daily Mile Challenge to walk a total of 4790 miles together, which is the distance from Groggan Primary School to Everest!
"Each child's miles will be banked until we reach the magic total. Johnny's son Parker is a Primary 3 pupil at our school, and we wanted to do our part to help support not only the charity but have some fun with the children along the way.
Cathy added:
"As a 'Take 5' school we are always striving to do our bit to help improve the lives of our pupils through exercise and the outdoors and to make them aware of the needs of others."
Johnny, Mark and William would be grateful for anything you can donate to support them and Northern Ireland charity, Action Cancer.