Philip Mitchell Cookstown

Just look at what Philip Mitchell from Cookstown achieved when he decided he wanted to make a difference. We are all so proud of you.

Launched in April 2012, Challenge 20/20 results in, Cookstown Fitness Trainer Philip Mitchell, raising a staggering £13,361 for The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB NI), the leading charity supporting people with sight loss in Northern Ireland.

Challenge 20/20 has seen Philip, along with many supporters, raise awareness and much needed funds for the charity by way of events and activities such as a relay team running the Belfast Marathon in May, a 'Dining in the Dark' experience at Killymoon Golf Club in June, ASDA Cookstown 2 day bag pack in June, a ‘Man Versus Food’ event in The Millcourt, Coalisland in September and a swim across Lough Neagh in September.  However, the highlight of Philip’s Challenge 20/20 commitment came in August, when he walked 20 marathons in 20 consecutive days round Northern Ireland accumulating 524 miles.  This momentous achievement certainly resulted in many people being inspired by Philip’s actions and joining him at different points along his epic walk.

Jackie Cotton, RNIB NI Community Vision Co-ordinator (CVC) for Mid Ulster, said, "All of us at RNIB NI are extremely grateful to Philip.  This incredible amount of money will go a long way in allowing us to continue our work."  The money raised by Philip, and others like him, enables RNIB NI to continue to support blind and partially sighted people through the services we offer. 

Many local clubs and community organisations came forward with donations and local Magherafelt sports shop, Sportique, donated walking equipment to Philip.

Commenting on the support Philip Mitchell said, "The support from the public for my challenge has been simply over-whelming and I'd especially like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank those who contributed in any way.  Not only those who donated money, but also the local businesses and community organisations that supported me throughout all the activities of Challenge 20/20."

Philip’s walk round Ulster began from Cookstown on the morning of 11 August, then onwards to Omagh, Strabane, Derry/Lderry, Limavady, Coleraine, Portballintrea, Ballycastle, Waterfoot, Larne, Antrim, Glengormley, Bangor, Portaferry, Comber, Downpatrick, Newcastle, Warrenpoint, Bambridge, Armagh and finally finishing at the ASDA store in Cookstown, who had organised a ‘Welcome Home’ event for Philip, on 31 August 2012.