‘Climb to Remember’ loved ones and support The Mercy Hospital Foundation

‘Climb to Remember’ loved ones and support The Mercy Hospital Foundation

26 May 2014

The third annual charity ‘Climb to Remember’ takes place on Sunday 8th June and will see people from all over Munster rise to the challenge of climbing Ireland’s highest  peak, Carrauntoohil, in memory of a loved one, with funds raised going towards The Mercy Hospital Foundation.

Proceeds raised at this year’s ‘Climb to Remember’ will benefit three key appeals launched earlier to raise vital funds to enhance cardiology, stroke, and cancer services at The Mercy University Hospital.

Registration will take place at the Upper Car Park at Lisleibane from 9am until 9:45am. At 10am, under the guidance of experienced mountain leaders, participants will begin their climb from Lisleibane. Travelling up Brother O Shea’s Gully and past the Beenkeeragh Ridge, climbers will reach the top of Brother O Shea’s and will be greeted with a spectacular view down into Coomloughra with Dingle Bay and the Brandon group to the northwest. Passing the top of the Central and Curved Gullies, they will emerge onto the summit. Following a break at the summit, it will be time to make the descent down the Devils Ladder.

Betty O’Sullivan, ‘Climb to Remember’ founder, who lost her mother Bernie to cancer in 2010, said “No matter how many times you climb such a mountain the tremendous feeling of accomplishment is just as alive each time. To do it in memory of someone who has passed away, or for someone who is sick, makes it all the more of an accomplishment and means so much more.”

She added “There is a great sense of camaraderie with people coming from near and far, some who have never climbed before. Last year, 120 of us went through the gates, many having no confidence in reaching the summit, but who in their own time, managed to stand by the summit's cross. There is no time limit and leaders are more than happy to go at whatever pace people are comfortable with.”

Castlegregory native, Deirdre Finn, who is Community & Events Fundraiser at the Mercy Hospital Foundation says “Our mission is to support the Hospital in delivering the highest quality of patient care by raising funds to support advancements and innovation in the treatment and care of patients at the Mercy Hospital, the People’s Hospital. We promise to do our very best to provide the people of Munster with a world class hospital, and this is only possible through the help of our supporters and donors, like those who step up to the mark, and ‘Climb to Remember’ each June.”

A second climb will take place on Sunday 29th June up The Galtee Mountains, on the Cork/ Tipperary border. The start time for this is 10am at Kings Yard, Knocknagaltee, Kilbehenny.

For climbers in need of new gear for the ‘Climb to Remember’, Mahers Outdoor in Cork City is offering a special discount on hiking gear to those registered for either climb. Simply produce registration receipt and the team will be happy to help.Registration fee is €25 for one climb or €45 for both. Register by logging onto www.mercyfundraising.ie or calling (021) 4274076. Registration will also be available on the morning of the event.