Cobhman Returns From Atacama Trek

Cobhman Returns From Atacama Trek

15 July 2009

In March this year, Cobhman, Rob O'Brien completed The Atacama Crossing in Chile, raising over €5,000 for Build4Life, an initiative to provide isolated beds and a day centre for adult PWCF (people with Cystic Fibrosis) in Cork University Hospital.

Across the driest desert in the world, the Atacama Challenge began at 11,000 feet, and was the equivalent of six marathons. Rob was the sole Irish competitor who took part in the challenge among the 90 other participants.

Rob's quest for Build4Life began after watching an RTE "Prime Time" programme early this year on the plight of cystic fibrosis patients. Speaking recently at the cheque presentation, Rob said "I was stunned to find that facilities for patients in Ireland were abysmal and grossly underfunded!   Shockingly, the life expectancy for a CF patient in the Republic of Ireland is only 21, whereas it is 33 in Northern Ireland and up to 60 in America! In light of this, I chose to run the Atacama Crossing 2009 for Cystic Fibrosis sufferers in the Cork & Kerry region and to raise funds for Build4Life. I really would like to thank everyone here for the wonderful support I have received."