We have been delighted to work alongside Davy over the last four years as they have fundraised and volunteered to support children in Northern Ireland facing a cancer diagnosis and their families. From coffee mornings to charity abseils, from volunteering at our Christmas parties and hosting families at their Belfast office, they’ve been a fantastic partner to work with.

Today we’re shining the spotlight on a special member of the Davy team, Stephen Kane, who has been involved every step of the way and who personally has raised almost £7,000 to date for The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity. We are delighted to say that every penny of this has been doubled by Davy as part of their on-going fundraising efforts for the Charity. Here you can read a bit more about Stephen and his amazing fundraising efforts.

Tell us about yourself, Stephen

I’ve worked for Davy Private Clients in Belfast as a Wealth Manager for the last 6 years. I live just outside Tandragee with my wife Drena, three children, aged 23, 11 and 6 and our dog. I’m a big fan of getting up into the Mourne Mountains with friends and family and this has driven a lot of my fundraising efforts for The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity.

My friends and I try to get out in the Mournes as much as we can- it’s such a great way to leave the stresses of life and the world behind for the six to eight hours we’re out climbing.

How did you get involved in fundraising for The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity?

My employer, Davy has had a partnership with the charity for the last four years and through some of our staff events and fundraisers, I got to learn more about the charity and was really taken with the work they do. I really liked how the money raised goes directly to support the children and their families affected by cancer as well as helping the medical teams.

How has Davy encouraged you to get involved in fundraising for the Charity?

Davy generally try to set up events that are interesting and a little bit different and they really encourage staff members to get involved. There are always a few options to suit the adrenaline junkies among us so most recently, a group of us abseiled down Belfast Castle.

Tell us about your best memories/highlights from your fundraising efforts over the last few years?

My best memories of my fundraising have all come in the Mournes with by brother and friends. We’ve done a number of treks and challenges including the Mourne Sevens, a climb of the 15 Peaks, the Grand Traverse which involved hiking 35 miles in three days, and the Mourne 600 Challenge.

I remember for the Mourne Wall event, the four of us stayed in a glamping pod near Annalong the night before, as the hike started around 4am. I think we managed about one hour’s sleep with the talking and laughing that went on the night before. The walk itself was spectacular with stunning weather, wall to wall sunshine and temperature of almost 20 degrees, but that did mean it was a tough, hot climb! We managed to complete it in around 13 hours and then enjoyed pizza and a few beers that evening in Newcastle. The sense of achievement at the end and knowing what a worthy cause we were supporting made it all worthwhile.

Do you have any tips for someone wanting to turn a hobby into something good for charity?

I have spoken openly to anyone that will listen about taking a hobby using and attaching it to a charity. It’s such a great way to do something you love and give back at the same time. Whether you’re a runner, a keen cyclist or into golf- whatever it is- get your friends and family behind you and you’ll be able to do something really great.

Have you any plans up your sleeve for further fundraising challenges?

I’m always on the look out for something bigger and better than the last challenge so watch this space!