October was mental health awareness month. For mental health awareness month United Drug along with TCP Homecare, Median Healthcare and Lloyds Pharmacy Ireland took part in three hikes across Ireland raising much needed funds for our charity partner Aware.

Aware’s vision is to create a society where people affected by stress, depression, bipolar disorder and mood related conditions are understood, supported, free from stigma, and are encouraged to access appropriate therapies. Now more than ever, we all need to be aware of our mental health and the impacts on it.

To align with AWARE’s mission and support their vision United Drug, LloydsPharmacy, TCP and Median Colleagues joined forces to Hike for AWAREness in September and October.

The three hikes completed were:

Glendalough Hike on the 25^{th of} September. Our team hiked 13km on Saturday in Glendalough. Th route took was the Spinc & Lugduff returning via Derrybawn Ridge. What a beautiful day that Saturday was and the views from the top of the Spinx and Glendalough are shown through the amazing photos taken by our colleagues over the weekend. The hike was led by our Procurement Director Stephen O'Donoghue.

Galtymore Hike on the 26^{th of} September. Seven team members climbed 4km up the Galtymore Mountain, gaining 350m in vertical height before challenging weather conditions made it too dangerous to continue. In the end they completed an 8km round trip with each of them gaining an extra ton of water along the way … getting soaked would be an understatement! Nevertheless, the group maintained a positive can-do attitude and they all thoroughly enjoyed the Sunday Hike despite the adverse weather conditions and challenging terrain.

Glendalough High on the 2^{nd of} October. The third team completed the Hike for AWAREness and completed 13.58km in 3 hours and 23min gaining 687m in altitude along the way across the Glendalough Upper Lake Mountain range. On the day, the tallest peak summitted was Mullacor at approx. 660m. By no means experienced hikers, the team credits team leader Stephen O’Donoghue for his leadership and guidance on the day.

The group hikes were also a great opportunity for colleagues to safely reconnect after in some cases as much as 18 months away from the office. The teams embodied what it means to come together and win as one team.

Well done to all who participated, great team spirit was shown indeed. United, they showed that when asked, they show up, no matter what the weather or the challenge, to rally behind the goal of improving mental health across the republic of Ireland.

The Funds Raised to Date is €2,639.

To join us in support of a good cause, you can donate today via the corporate charity site: https://mckesson.blackbaud-sites.com