Shankill 2 Shankill

Aim: Archdeacon Mark Harvey is walking the perimeter of the Church of Ireland diocese of Dromore in one week in August, in aid of 3 charities.

Shankill 2 Shankill will take place from Monday 18th to Sunday 24th August. All monies raised will be shared between the Re-Imagining Shankill Project, Fields of Life, and the NI Air Ambulance.

What is Shankill 2 Shankill?

Shankill 2 Shankill is a fundraising walk along the perimeter of the Church of Ireland diocese of Dromore – approximately 100 miles. Starting at Shankill Parish Church in Lurgan, the route will wind its way to Maghaberry via Aghalee. The second day to Ballynahinch via Annahilt, and then day 3 on to Newcastle. Day 4 along the south Down coast to Kilkeel, then Warrenpoint via Rostrevor on day 5. Day 6 to Loughbrickland via Newry, and finally on day 7 back to Shankill via Scarva, Gilford and Portadown.

Who is walking Shankill 2 Shankill?

The rector of Shankill, Archdeacon Mark Harvey, will walk the entire route, and will be joined by parishioners and friends at various stages. The walk is Shankill Parish Lurgan’s major fundraiser for this year, as parishioners continue to work hard to enable the restoration of their historic parish church. The idea for the route came from Mark’s role as Archdeacon of Dromore, and he plans to stop in different parishes along the way for rest and refreshment breaks.

Mark has been rector of Shankill for 8 years. Having turned 60 in late 2024, he sees this not simply as a fundraiser but also as a great way to improve his health and fitness.

Why is Mark taking on the Shankill 2 Shankill challenge?

Three causes will benefit from Shankill 2 Shankill.

1. The Re-Imagining Shankill Project.

A £4m+ project to repair, restore and re-order the historic Church of Christ the Redeemer in the centre of Lurgan, affectionately known as ‘The Big Church’. With repairs completed and paid for at a cost of over £1m, the final phase to re-order the church and develop the grounds is underway. 70% of the monies raised by Shankill 2 Shankill will be given to the project.

2. Fields of Life.

Shankill partners with Fields of Life to support Town Primary School in Maridi, South Sudan. The parish has recently committed to fund the construction of a new toilet block which is now complete, and 15% of the money raised by Shankill 2 Shankill will be added to the £7000 already given by the parish towards the cost of this.

3. Air Ambulance Northern Ireland.

Air Ambulance NI works in partnership with the NI Ambulance Service to provide the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) throughout Northern Ireland. 15% of Shankill 2 Shankill funds will be donated to AANI in memory of Mark’s schoolfriend Stuart Castles, who died suddenly in February just a few days after his 60th birthday.

Donations will be accepted through Crowdfunder and can be Gift Aided. Cash donations are also accepted.

**Please note Crowdfunder automatically add in a Tip to all donations - Shankill does not receive these add-ons - this can be removed before payment by clicking 'Enter Custom Amount' and typing 0.**

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 31st August 2025 at 12:00pm