And he would walk 100 times - Steve smashes fundraising target for Women's Aid, with a little help from his friends

ANTRIM man Steve Caldwell has helped raise over £3,000 by completing 100 walks by the end of August for Women’s Aid.

Steve felt compelled to act due to the rising numbers of attacks against women and girls, with an initial target of £1,000.

On one of his walks, he went to Donaghadee to sign a book of condolence and read some powerfully raw and heartbreaking tributes to young mum Sarah Montgomery who was murdered in her home.

Steve said: “In response to the ever increasing amount of attacks and murder of women in our province, I’ve decided to take on a challenge to raise some awareness and vital funds for Women’s Aid-ABCLN

“This charity do an incredible work in our province - positioning themselves on the absolute front line of domestic abuse, violence and the control of women and girls.

“I’m aiming to complete 100 walks from Monday 7th July until Sunday 31st August 2025.

“I’m also hoping to chat to some of my friends who work and volunteer for Women’s Aid, post information and services they offer.

“If you’re in the position to sponsor, share or support I’d really appreciate it.

“Our province is becoming famous for violence against women and girls. This has to stop.

“I’m supporting the fantastic work Women’s Aid do in Antrim, Ballymena, Carrick, Larne, Newtownabbey and beyond.

Women’s Aid ABCLN provides confidential support, information and emergency accommodation for women and children who are affected by domestic abuse.

A statement said: “We believe that no-one should have to live in fear or threat from abuse.

“One in four women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime and we know often the biggest victims of domestic abuse are the smallest.

“On average PSNI respond to one incident every 17 minutes. For every incident, we know the impact on women and children living with domestic abuse can be devastating.”

His efforts concluded last week with a special event at The Junction, featuring drinks and snacks supplied by local businesses and music from Lauren Robb.

He said: “Thank you so much to every single person who supported my efforts to raise money for the incredible team Women’s Aid-ABCLN.

“Thank you to Antrim School of Music CIC for hosting and organising an incredible evening.

“Thank you The Junction Retail and Leisure Park Dobbies, Starbucks and Bushes for all the lovely treats this evening.

Let’s continue to raise our voices for the end of abuse, attacks the murder of women.”

A spokesperson for Antrim School of Music, which supported Steve for his final walk, said: “What a wonderful evening for a successful and supportive community walk.

“Steve Caldwell and Women's Aid-ABCLN met with the ASM team, women, men and families of the community to join together for Steve’s 100th walk the last stage of his summer fundraising.

“It was truly fantastic to see such a level of support for a summer evening dander and the chance to show our collective goals that we will not stand for the domestic abuse and violence of women and girls in our country, and beyond.

“Congratulations to Steve for smashing his fundraising goal, vital funds that will help our colleagues at WA ABCLN to keep doing the crucial and essential work they do day and night to support vulnerable families.

There were also thanks to the Corporate supporters.

“The Junction Retail and Leisure Park - Chris and his fantastic team are always right beside our programmes and we couldn’t do it without their support every week

“Dobbies for their kind and delicious donation of scones and cakes.

“Starbucks for their kind donations of teas and coffees.

“Bushe’s Bakery Antrim for their kind donations of cakes and buns.

“Lauren Robb for her beautiful music performance and Team ASM for their support in bringing this all together.”

To donate, log on to https://www. justgiving.com/ page/antrimsteve roadto100