“Our province is becoming famous for violence against women and girls. This has to stop.”
An Antrim man is currently taking on an epic mental and physical challenge in response to the recent murder of a Northern Ireland mum.
Steve Caldwell, who has previously been open about his own battles with mental health issues, says he was moved to act in the aftermath of the murder of pregnant mother-of-two Sarah Montgomery in Donaghadee.
Ms Montgomery, 27, died at her home in Elmfield Walk in the Co Down town in June along with her unborn son Liam Arthur. A man has appeared in court charged with her murder.
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Her death led to renewed focus on the rate of violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland. The murder of a mum and her two children last month brought to 29 the number of women and girls killed here since 2020.
Vanessa Whyte, a veterinary surgeon originally from Co Clare; her son, James, and daughter, Sara, died after a shooting in Maguiresbridge on July 23, 2025.
Now Steve, 40, has undertaken a project to do 100 walks and raise money for Women’s Aid ABC-LN. throughout July and August. Women’s Aid ABCLN provides confidential support, information and emergency accommodation for women and children who are affected by domestic abuse. We believe that no-one should have to live in fear or threat from abuse.
Speaking to Belfast Live, Steve said the region is becoming famous for violence against women and girls and this has to stop: “This summer, in response to the murder or Sarah Montgomery and Northern Ireland becoming one of the highest risk areas for women to live in the UK, I decided to do 100 walks and raise money for Women’s Aid across Antrim, Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Larne and Newtownabbey.
“I was down in Donaghadee a few times recently for walks as I’m a big fan of the place and I signed a book of condolence for Sarah Montgomery. I decided then that I’m going to do something as a male, I think it’d be pretty powerful for me to raise my voice right now and say enough is enough.
“I’m supporting the fantastic work Women’s Aid do in Antrim, Ballymena, Carrick, Larne, Newtownabbey and beyond. This charity does incredible work in our province – positioning themselves on the frontline of domestic abuse, violence and control of women and girls.
“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, the PSNI responds to one incident every 17 minutes. For every incident, we know the impact on women and children living with domestic abuse can be devastating.”
A classroom assistant at Parkhall Integrated College, who has battled with his own mental health for over 10 years, Steve, 40 added: “I suppose there’s a benefit from this challenge for myself as well because I’ve kind of walked myself back from the brink before. Honestly, from a mental health point, walking is just a way of life for me so I would have been walking anyway but I’m doing it more now.
“It’s given me a focus as well throughout the summer too when the school is off in terms of mental and physical wellness. So far I’ve received a massive amount of support and have raised more than £1,700 and have done over 60 walks. I’m aiming to do 100 walks in total throughout July and August, starting Monday, July 7 to Sunday, August 31.
“I’ve also been blown away by people’s generosity and the numerous people contacting me to tell me their story of how Women’s Aid ABCLN have helped them at dark moments in their lives.”
As part of Steve’s Road to 100 for Women’s Aid-ABCLN fundraising efforts, Antrim School of Music CIC is hosting a community charity walk on Tuesday, August 26 at 6:30pm, starting at ASM Hub, The Junction Leisure and Retail Park, Antrim.
“Refreshments will be provided and we would love as big a turn out as possible to show community support for our collective drive to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” a spokesperson said.
You can also donate to Steve’s fundraising efforts here.
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