18 September 2025
Gillian McAleenan, who works in the Business Services Organisation (BSO) Procurement and Logistics Service (PaLS) has been fundraising over the past six months to raise money for specialist treatment to enable her six year old Ben to take his first steps. Ben has an ultra-rare genetic condition caused Pitt Hopkins Syndrome (PTHS). PTHS is a neurodevelopment condition which causes delayed motor development and moderate to severe intellectual disability. Through her fundraising efforts, Gillian is hoping to receive specialist for Ben to support his development.
On Saturday 23 August, Gillian, her husband Niall and a number of friends completed their biggest fundraising challenge, taking on the Mourne 7 7’s challenge. The team not only completed the 7 official peaks, they took the challenge further and completed a further 3 unofficial peaks.
The full challenge consisted of, 10 mountains, 18miles, over 50,000 steps, 11.5 hours, 1 sunrise, almost all seasons, a serious amount of sugar consumed and very sore legs.
The team of 16 not only wanted to raise money to support Ben, but to raise awareness of Pitt Hopkins Syndrome. On top of Slieve Donard, the team were informed that they had successfully smashed their fundraising target, a very emotional and memorable moment!
“I have a whole new found respect for the mountains, nothing can quite prepare you, it’s the most surreal and physically challenging experience I’ve ever undertaken but so worth it. I am overwhelmingly grateful to everyone who has supported us, please know you have all played a very special part in Bens journey and have opened up opportunities for him that we once dreamed off, I hope our story can go on to inspire other parents who might also find themselves parenting on a different path”. ~ Gillian McAleenan
Congratulations Gillian, from all your colleagues across BSO!
You can follow Ben’s Journey on Instagram – @Ben_morethanyouknow or to learn more and donate visit: https://gofund.me/592f602c
