Cystic Fibrosis Hopesource Foundation
May 07th brought Andy, Jack (10) and Shannan Timmins along with 22 friends to the foot of Carrauntoohil.
Since late 2010, we have had the pleasure of working with Andy and Sarah Timmins in organising their fundraising event to Climb Carrauntoohill for the Cystic Fibrosis Hopesource Foundation. With over 40 members of the Timmins family and friends down from Dublin inc supporting team, the 25 climbers including Jack and Lee, both whom have Cystic Fibrosis, set of on what can only be described as a challenging day on Ireland's highest peak.
The rain was constant and heavy. The winds were high and often left us bracing ourselves against the elements. But under the guidance and expertise of Pat & Niall Foley, the team were in no doubt of a safe ascent and more importantly, a safe descent. Not once did the teams motivation flonder and an extra credit must be noted to the younger members of the team who would of been in their rights to call it a day at any point. But the strenghts that can be drawn from great leadership (both of the guides Pat and Niall and of Andy Timmins) held high and 7 hours after leaving Cronin's Yard, a very enthused team returned high with emotion and very very wet!
I had the pleasure of assisting Pat and Niall in leading the climb and after working with Andy over the past 6 months, it was a great feat to be there to witness the day in all it's glory. Having met with most of the group on the Friday evening for a briefing, it was obvious that the climbers were heading back for a great evening of celebrtions and they definately deserved it!
Belated Happy Birthday to Jack who turned 11 in the past few days. We hope you had a great day and if your and Lee's positive attitude on the climb was anything to go by, we will no doubt see you guys back on the hills into the future!
''Hi Pat, Lorrainne and Neil, just wanted to thank ye all again for all your help and guidance on our recent journey up carrauntoohil for C.F...It was certainly as spectacular as it was difficult, given the day we had... And on behalf of our group, family and friends may i pass on our deepest condolances to the family and friends of your fellow adventurer John Delaney... Look forward to meeting ye all again, ok... cheers for now'' John (the fireman) Timmins..
About Cystic Fibrosis Hopesource Foundation
- Cystic Fibrosis Hopesource Foundation is a 100% voluntary organisation
- We have no salaried staff
- We do not use professional fundraisers
- We cover all promotional expenses from our own pockets
- All involved give their time free of charge
- Every cent raised goes directly to meet clearly specified needs
- Our audited accounts are freely available for inspection
Achievements
October 2010 Temple St CFOPD
''It's a Big Thank You to everyone involved in raising the funds that CF Hopesource Foundation contributed to the project. The total project cost Euro2.3m and CF Hopesource contributed Euro545k''
''For the past 3 months children with CF going to Temple St have been attending clinic at the new CF OPD and any child requiring treatment in between clinic visits has been going there too. The result is that parents can bring their children to the new clinic without fear of cross infection while at clinic. Also starting a child on IV anti-biotics no longer needs to be delayed because of the lack of a treatment room''
2007: New testing equipment for Dr. Philip Murphy's Microbiology Lab at Tallaght Hospital primarily funded by the Forex Golf outing in Mount Wolseley. Many thanks to all who gave their supported. For CF patients, this means faster prescription of the correct antibiotic.
Funding the position of Dedicated Dietician for the Cystic Fibrosis Team at Beaumont Hospital
Providing seed funding for the position of Dedicated Dietician for the Cystic Fibrosis Team at Temple Street Childrens Hospital.
Fully funding a 2nd Dedicated Dietician post for the Cystic Fibrosis Team at Temple Street Childrens Hospital
Funding a Dedicated Physiotherapist position and the position of a Cystic Fibrosis Nurse Specialist at Temple Street Childrens Hospital
Funding the position of a dedicated Psychologist for the Cystic Fibrosis Team at Temple Street Childrens Hospital
Establishing a Long Line IV Service at Temple Street Childrens Hospital
26,000 Euro towards the purchase of a Micro Array Scanner for Cystic Fibrosis Research at Beaumont Hospital
Timmins Family & Friends Climb Carrauntoohil for Cystic Fibrosis
May 07th brought Andy, Jack (10) and Shannan Timmins along with 22 friends to the foot of Carrauntoohil.
Since late 2010, we have had the pleasure of working with Andy and Sarah Timmins in organising their fundraising event to Climb Carrauntoohill for the Cystic Fibrosis Hopesource Foundation. With over 40 members of the Timmins family and friends down from Dublin inc supporting team, the 25 climbers including Jack and Lee, both whom have Cystic Fibrosis, set of on what can only be described as a challenging day on Ireland's highest peak.
The rain was constant and heavy. The winds were high and often left us bracing ourselves against the elements. But under the guidance and expertise of Pat & Niall Foley, the team were in no doubt of a safe ascent and more importantly, a safe descent. Not once did the teams motivation flonder and an extra credit must be noted to the younger members of the team who would of been in their rights to call it a day at any point. But the strenghts that can be drawn from great leadership (both of the guides Pat and Niall and of Andy Timmins) held high and 7 hours after leaving Cronin's Yard, a very enthused team returned high with emotion and very very wet!
I had the pleasure of assisting Pat and Niall in leading the climb and after working with Andy over the past 6 months, it was a great feat to be there to witness the day in all it's glory. Having met with most of the group on the Friday evening for a briefing, it was obvious that the climbers were heading back for a great evening of celebrtions and they definately deserved it!
Belated Happy Birthday to Jack who turned 11 in the past few days. We hope you had a great day and if your and Lee's positive attitude on the climb was anything to go by, we will no doubt see you guys back on the hills into the future!
''Hi Pat, Lorrainne and Neil, just wanted to thank ye all again for all your help and guidance on our recent journey up carrauntoohil for C.F...It was certainly as spectacular as it was difficult, given the day we had... And on behalf of our group, family and friends may i pass on our deepest condolances to the family and friends of your fellow adventurer John Delaney... Look forward to meeting ye all again, ok... cheers for now'' John (the fireman) Timmins..
About Cystic Fibrosis Hopesource Foundation
- Cystic Fibrosis Hopesource Foundation is a 100% voluntary organisation
- We have no salaried staff
- We do not use professional fundraisers
- We cover all promotional expenses from our own pockets
- All involved give their time free of charge
- Every cent raised goes directly to meet clearly specified needs
- Our audited accounts are freely available for inspection
Achievements
October 2010 Temple St CFOPD
''It's a Big Thank You to everyone involved in raising the funds that CF Hopesource Foundation contributed to the project. The total project cost Euro2.3m and CF Hopesource contributed Euro545k''
''For the past 3 months children with CF going to Temple St have been attending clinic at the new CF OPD and any child requiring treatment in between clinic visits has been going there too. The result is that parents can bring their children to the new clinic without fear of cross infection while at clinic. Also starting a child on IV anti-biotics no longer needs to be delayed because of the lack of a treatment room''
2007: New testing equipment for Dr. Philip Murphy's Microbiology Lab at Tallaght Hospital primarily funded by the Forex Golf outing in Mount Wolseley. Many thanks to all who gave their supported. For CF patients, this means faster prescription of the correct antibiotic.
Funding the position of Dedicated Dietician for the Cystic Fibrosis Team at Beaumont Hospital
Providing seed funding for the position of Dedicated Dietician for the Cystic Fibrosis Team at Temple Street Childrens Hospital.
Fully funding a 2nd Dedicated Dietician post for the Cystic Fibrosis Team at Temple Street Childrens Hospital
Funding a Dedicated Physiotherapist position and the position of a Cystic Fibrosis Nurse Specialist at Temple Street Childrens Hospital
Funding the position of a dedicated Psychologist for the Cystic Fibrosis Team at Temple Street Childrens Hospital
Establishing a Long Line IV Service at Temple Street Childrens Hospital
26,000 Euro towards the purchase of a Micro Array Scanner for Cystic Fibrosis Research at Beaumont Hospital
Fitness Assessment Weekend Reviews
Mar 26th & 27th Saturday morning brought some of our June and September Kilimanjaro trekkers to the Mountain Lodge for a Fitness Assessment weekend in preparation for their adventure ahead.
The weekend kicked off with a briefing on the trek - a presentation, a gear demo & briefing and a tips/ Q&A session. After lunch, the team hit the Reeks for a four hour non stop tough ascent that was to simulate a typical days trek on Mount Kilimanjaro On return the team broke for the evening- some departed for home, some went for dinner - all to return to the Lodge for Midnight.
At Midnight, we loaded up gear into cars and set off for the Gap of Dunloe. Ascending Purple Mountain, this Night Hike was to show what the Summit Night attempt on Mount Kilimanjaro would be like, following an earlier days trekking to final Camp. As we climbed pass the Lake, an explaination of simularities that we were meeting such as loose scree terrain, false summits, walking with limited visions was topped of by the freezing winds we met as we summitted Purple. A chill factor of -6 to -8 really put gear to the test. Ian, our lead guide provided us with an introduction to Night Navagation as we continued along our path surrounded by quickly dropping cloud. After 6 hours, we commenced desent just before the 'Chimneys' bringing us down 100 meters from our parked car.
Reviews include 'a great weekend' 'very impressed with very professional service' 'having done weekend, I am really excited and looking forward to trekking with yea' 'great weekend by a great company'
Our next Meet Day/ Fitness Assessment for trekkers will be held in June with Fitness Assessments available all year round. Contact us for further info or to Book your place now!
Climb Fit Cork & Kerry
Trip: 10 Week Walking Camp (Introduction to the Hills of Ireland)
Route: Kerry Mountains - Cork Mountains
Date: Summer - Autumn
Duration: 10 Weeks (9 half days 1 full day)
Grade: Easy building to Moderate
Price: €200 pp
FULL DETAILS COMING SOON
Overview
Get fit and enjoy an introduction to the wilds of Cork and Kerry.
This 10 week fitness and appreciation course with the Pat Falvey School of Mountaineering is not only aimed at improving your fitness. This course will also provide you with an introduction to navigation, safety and appreciation of the wild and wonderful outdoors.
Price
Price: €200 pp Minimum No. 8 Maximum No. 20
Price includes: Guides
Price does not include: Transport , Food , Gear
Itinerary
Location to be decided with your team
9 x half day guided walks in various terrains
1 x full day expedition
Gear
Gear supplied: Maps, Compass, First Aid Kit
Gear Required:
Equipment:
Walking stick
Day sack/backpack
Headtorch / headlamp
Basic First Aid Kit ( NOT REQUIRED)
Water bottle
Clothing:
Good walking boots and socks
Trekking pants
Lightweight waterproof over-trousers / rain-pants
T-shirts
Fleece jacket or warm jumper
Lightweight windproof/waterproof jacket
Hat
Lightweight thermal or fleece gloves
Other:
Personal items (e.g. towel, sunscreen, wipes, toilet tissues, antibacterial handwash)
Small First Aid Kit including insect repellent, plasters, meds
Small rubbish bag to carry out what you carry in
Matches e.g. burn toilet paper
Trail snacks
Zip-Up bags for camera
Kilimanjaro report - Martin Hayden & Sons
Image Gallery
On return, Martin sent in some great shots of the boys and himself on Mount Kilimanjaro
This evening they will return to Moshi for their last overnight before leaving for the airport in the morning.. All reports are of a 'healthy & happy' group and we, no doubt not a fraction as much as mom, Joan, await their safe return and further reports of their adventures in Tanzania.6th January 2011 - Lake Manyara National Park
After a eventful New Year on Kilimanjaro, Martin, James, Alexander & Marcus are enjoying an overnight at Serena Luxury Lodge taking in 2 days Safari in the spectacular Lake Manyara National Park within the Great Rift Valley with its infamous tree climbing lion!
The National Park offers an amazing experience - At the Southern end of the park are hot Sulphur Springs known as Majimoto. Further along the forest the area opens up into woodlands, grassland, swamps and beyond, the soda lake itself. Nestling at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, the park is recognized for its incredible beauty. Wildlife at Lake Manyara is not restricted to birdlife only. Many game animals such as Buffalo, Elephant, Giraffe, Impala,hippo and a great variety of smaller animals also inhabit the park.
Lake Manyara is renown for its tree-climbing lions which spend most of the day spread out along the branches of acacia trees six to seven metres above the ground. The park contains the most pachyderms per km sq. in Tanzania. As you enter the gate, you pass into the lush forest, home to troops of baboons and blue monkeys. Buffalo and hippo lurch in the adjacent Hippo Pool. The vegetation eventually merges into flat topped acacia woodland where, in the heat of the day entire prides of lion can be seen stretched on the branches of these trees - a habit prevalent to Manyara lions.
Along with these amazing tree-climbing lions there are the usual browsers and grazers as well as the curios-looking banded mongoose. Two thirds of the park is dominated by the slightly alkaline lake which is home to a huge variety of waterbirds.
4th January 2011 - 1300hrs Irish time
Family climb Kilimanjaro
Just got a call from Martin, "We all got into the final campsite on accent yesterday at 4pm. With excitement and everything about the summit push last evening, the lads only got a 2-3 hrs sleep before leaving at 11pm for the long summit push. James was sick a few times but had no other AMS symptoms. We got toGillman's Point (5681m) at 7am this morning with all ok apart from Alexander having zero juice left in the tank. The guides helped in the decision for Alexander, who knew he couldn't go any further as he had not enough energy to get him to the summit and back toGillman's Point."
"With a guide holding with Alexander at gilmans, James, Marcus, myself and the remaining guides headed for the summit. After an hour and a half or so we could see the summit sign in the distance, which encouraged us. We got to Uhuru summit (5,895m)at 9.15am, James and Marcus were very excited and got the photos etc. done before heading back down. The guides were brilliant and when we got back here to gilmans, Alexander was asleep which was good he must have been knackered earlier this morning. I sent James and Marcus down ahead and I will wait for Alexander for a while longer before we also head down. Amazing feeling to get there with my sons, they all did extremely well"
Well done lads and hope you all enjoy the fun on the way down. Best of luck on the rest of the trip from all at the expedition office down in Kerry.
If climbing Kilimanjaro is a dream or challenge of yours please view our Africa travel section or contact us for advice on our 2011 and 2012 treks.
Latest Report - 2nd January 2011
The Haydens and their guides acclimatised to 4300m today and are now back to 3720m for the night. Martin reports that the boys are doing well, apart from some adjustments to the food etc., Martin said: "James has some music with him, Marcus is reading and Alexander is getting plenty of stories from dad, they are all sleeping well and eating ok considering, the weather is absolutely amazing providing stunning scenery views, hopefully it will last for the next couple of days"
We expect a push for the summit on the 5th or 6th january, lets see how they get on today, Stay tuned.
Trek Start Report - 31st December 2010
While we celebrate New years here in Ireland, Martin Hayden and his threetrustysons James, Marcus & Alexander are now on Mt. Kilimanjaro,located in Tanzania,and have started their trek. They flew out on the 29th of December to fulfill an ambition to climb the highest mountain in Africa. The climb will take them through five different ecological zones as they ascend toward the5,895m summit over the next eight days. Happy New Year lads - Over the next few days we will endeavour to report as much as possible. They are just finishing day one and these are photos of the start.
Training Begins
Training began back in November when we put them through their paces on Purple mountain beside the gap of dunloe in Kerry. The cold weather had just started 2 days before the lads came down, roads were bad in Meath where the lads are from and tentatively made the journey to the montain lodge in kerry. On arrival we met Con Moriarty, who advised them on the gear they had and also the gear needed for their training and climb in december. Temperatures were low on the evening of the 27th with severe cold conditions forecast as low as minus 10C. Later in the evening wewere joined by camerman Mark Watson who was down to get a feel for mountain filming, he will be editing footage under our direction for the haydens on their return.Following a quick briefing on the plans for the dark start early in the amby guide Tony Nation, we all headed to bed for some rest.
Night climb of Purple Mountain - 28th Nov 2010
We got a little breakfast into us and headed off at 4am. The drive up the gap was surreal and slippy with icy conditions. We adjusted our gear and headed off into the night, which was brigthened at times by the moon. As we got our pace and temperatures regulated we were approaching the glas lake, which was very surreal in total darkness and head torches. We had a break and some banter with lads who were doing just fine. after the gully from the lake we started onto the steep scree section which was tough work as the wind was a lot stronger. Martin got James, Marcus and Alexander to stay close in a line as conditions were now more severe.
At 7.30am we reached the shoulder and made our final push across the summit section to the main cairn in near total whiteout. We had already decided to spend only 3 minutes there as there was no visibility for sunrise although we could see that light was approaching. On our decent toward the central peak heading toward tomies temperatures were very low and wind was strong, with frost forming on our eyebrows, hair and clothing. I would say it was minus 15C windchill approx. At our next stop our water was now slushy and hard to drink, bring out the Hot Drink Tony!! The lads were elated at this stage and we found some snow to bum slid followd by some great icicles!!
On decent we headed into the gap behind the cottages, once we decended below the cloud we got our first glimpses of scenery toward the sea over snow peppered stricin mountain. We stopped to admire the views and our final stop before the road. The boys were holding strong and dad Martin coaxed the final leg down. When we got to the road it was time to do much needed filming as the visibility was good now for the first time all morning.
We got back to the lodge after 10am for a fuller than Irish breakfast with no leftovers.The lads had a great time apart from being wrecked tired and after speaking to Martin a couple of days later theyhad a great time in Kerry and hadn't stopped talking about it. We wish them the best of luck!!
Martin and his boys were featured on RTE's Colm Hayes show on the 23 December, below you will find a link to download the attached podcast.
Report by Niall Foley
Travel Coordinator & Camerman<-->
Tomies, Purple & Shehy
Altitude/Distance: 800m / 11.5km
Route: Tomies Wood- Gortadirra(479m)
Date: Guides available all year round
Duration: 4- 6 hours
Grade: Trek - Easy /Moderate
Price: €75pp
Overlooking Lough Leane to the North East, these 3 peaks are separated from the Macgillycuddys Reeks by the Gap of Dunloe. Purple Mountain derives its name from the colour of the sandstone rock, which emits a purple hue under favourable light conditions. This is a moderate circular walk taking in Tomies, Purple and Shehy that offers wonderous views of the Gap and the Reeks as well as those of Lough Leane and Killarney.
Route
A straightforward enjoyable walk in towards Tomies Wood but vering for the hills to summit your first peak of the day- Gortadirr(479m). From here, we make a push up to Tomies where the slopes become steeper. From the cairn at Tomies summit(735m) you get your first dramatic view of Purple Mountain and the Gap of Dunloe beneath. Breathless scenery as we make the nice easy grade ridge walk passing minor summit points at 695m and 757m before the summit of Purple. Descending, the col or valley of Coomclochan below,the views are dramatic out over lough Leane and Killarney beyond. Contouring down off Shehy, we return to the forestry and the welcome track of Tomies Wood. This last section is a gentle walk through beautiful forestry with deer glimpsed through the trees and a lovely waterfall at O'Sullivans Cascade. This gentle walk leads you back to the gate where you started.
Grade
Trek: Easy/ Moderate
Suitable for beginner. Enjoyable day that allows a great introduction to hillwalking
Gear
Below is a recommended basic hillwalking gear list. If you can have some or most of the items great. If you cannot please contact us and there is no problems arranging some options from the guide on the day. You will find the more you do hillwalking, the more you will like to spend on gear, there are very good reasons why people purchase expensive gear and that is to keep them dry, warm and comforatble even in the most extreme conditions. This is very important during colder conditions. You do not have to buy all of the below unless you are going to do more in near future, but if possible try to borrow some of it and we can give you some advice on the day before you buy your own. Also most Ski-wear is suitable, although the heavier items, more so in winter
- Good walking/mountaineering boots. Waterproof for wet and/or cold
- Socks (Thorlo, Thermolite or similar)
- Thermal top base (dryflo, capilene or sports top) and mid layers (In winter several layers may be needed)
- Good fleece or softshell
- Trekking pants in summer, Thermal fleece pants in winter (Softshell pants are quite common also)
- Wind and water proofs (Gore-Tex or similar): Jacket and Trousers
- Head gear: thermal hat and/or sunhat. (Buff, neck gaiter, optional) or balaclava in winter
- Adjustable ski poles, Leki or similar: these take a lot of pressure off the body and makes walking less tiring. I usually use two Leki spring loaded as it takes 36 ton of pressure off you knees per day as well as allowing you to have a crutch to lean on when your tired *Optional
- Gloves: 1pair of thermal and 1 pair over gloves or mitts(optional), no harm in brining spare sets. I always bring a pair of fleece and buffalo mitts for high on the mountain as it can get very cold and by having your fingers together it keeps them warm
- 1/ 2 Lt Water bottle or platypus in its own plastic bag
- Lunch consisting of sandwich/snack and sweets, seeds, oatbars or fruit (keep in plastic bag)
- Small Rucksack big enough to carry your spares and Lunch. (Line this with strong black bag)
- Spare Top mid layer, socks and gloves
- Camera with good battery and memory capacity
- 1 x Flask with hot drink *Optional
- Map OSI 78 and Compass (silva type 4) *Optional
Private Groups
The most popular option for many of our clients.
We reguraly organise day long excursions,weekend & mid-week breaks and outings for individuals, coporate groups, sports teams, families and friends. The benefits are endless and we can organise all the logistics for you, from transport to accommodation, team building, military bootcamps, walking, trekking, abseiling....the activities are endless. We are your one stop adventure company who pride ourselves on providing the best of adventures in some of the most beautiful locations in the world.
Please contact our office to further discuss the benefits of a private course or guided walk/expedition you would like to challenge your team, group, family or friends with!
Celebrity Expedition Hope Everest 2010
Press Release - “Life is like a mountain, and we all have mountains to climb, we all have an Everest” Pat Falvey, world-renowned adventurer and expedition Leader
VIEW THE LATEST REPORTS DURING OCTOBER 2010 CLICK HERE
The Hope Foundation launched its Celebrity Expedition HOPE Everest to an excited audience this evening at Basecamp Adventure and Travel Store, Dublin. Donal McIntyre, Rob Ross, Philip Gray, George Mc Mahon, Teena Gates and Jenny Kavanagh were announced as the brave personalities who will take part in this a two-part challenge to raise funds for The Hope Foundation. The team will leave on September 30th and will spend twenty two days taking on this mammoth challenge.
The challenge is in two phases: the team will first climb to Everest Base Camp and then some will go on to climb to Island Peak, which is at 20,305 feet. This will be a really tough challenge, requiring ice picks and ice crampons in their boots and the team will be tied together with ropes to reach the ice field!
The expedition will be led by experienced mountaineer Pat Falvey, who has climbed the seven highest mountains on the Seven Continents twice, including Mt Everest from Nepal and Tibet. Pat is also experienced in leadership and motivation and is sure to build great team spirit among the participants.
Hon Director of The Hope Foundation, Maureen Forrest said: “Every child on the streets of Calcutta is facing an Everest each day; their lives are about survival. HOPE is working to change that with over 60 projects that enable children to go to school, to be cared for, to stay healthy and to break the cycle of poverty. I thank the team from the bottom of my heart for taking time out to be part of this great expedition to change children’s lives”. see video of Kids in Calcutta.
People around the country will also have a chance to get involved in this expedition as HOPE has three unique ideas to let the supporters become part of the team. The first is the Every Step Counts campaign, which will see gyms and health clubs ‘step’ with the team. Total Fitness are the first gym to come on board and support this campaign. The Sign the Flag campaign urges schools, businesses, groups and communities to sign a specially designed flag which will be brought by the team and put on Everest. The third is the Mobile Mountain campaign where you can drop your old phone into Basecamp Adventure Store and hopefully they can make a ‘mountain’ out of the amount they have received.
Press Release Ends
Quote from Teena Gates:
"Last year I weighed 23 stone and walked with a stick, this year I've got my health back and a chance to walk to the highest point on the planet. The Hope Foundation is giving me an incredible opportunity to walk to Mount Everest Base Camp to help street kids in Calcutta. Pat Falvey's Irish & Worldwide Adventures (www.patfalvey.com) is giving me the skills to move mountains for this cause by coordinating the training and the trek to Nepal this October. Climbing my own personal mountain has brought me to the summit of Carrauntoohill with Pat and his guides; and opened a window of opportunity for me to a whole new world."
Teena Gates - Head of News 98fm
Quote from Pat Falvey's office:
"We are delighted to be involved with this fund raiser for the Hope foundation. Our first training session with the Hope group was on Carrauntoohil back in July. They are training hard at the moment in their own time but are back down to Kerry for their final training next week to be assessed on Climbing Equipment and techniques. We will have them fully prepared for Island peak leaving Ireland at the end of the month."
To get involved or learn more check out www.hopechallenge2010.com
The launch night was kindly sponsored by Basecamp store and Jaipur Restaurant.
Celebrity Expedition Hope Everest 2010
“Life is like a mountain, and we all have mountains to climb, we all have an Everest”.
Pat Falvey, world-renowned adventurer and expedition Leader
Press Release:
The Hope Foundation launched its Celebrity Expedition HOPE Everest to an excited audience this evening at Basecamp Adventure and Travel Store, Dublin. Donal McIntyre, Rob Ross, Philip Gray, George Mc Mahon, Teena Gates and Jenny Kavanagh were announced as the brave personalities who will take part in this a two-part challenge to raise funds for The Hope Foundation. The team will leave on September 30th and will spend twenty two days taking on this mammoth challenge.
The challenge is in two phases: the team will first climb to Everest Base Camp and then some will go on to climb to Island Peak, which is at 20,305 feet. This will be a really tough challenge, requiring ice picks and ice crampons in their boots and the team will be tied together with ropes to reach the ice field!
The expedition will be led by experienced mountaineer Pat Falvey, who has climbed the seven highest mountains on the Seven Continents twice, including Mt Everest from Nepal and Tibet. Pat is also experienced in leadership and motivation and is sure to build great team spirit among the participants.
Hon Director of The Hope Foundation, Maureen Forrest said: “Every child on the streets of Calcutta is facing an Everest each day; their lives are about survival. HOPE is working to change that with over 60 projects that enable children to go to school, to be cared for, to stay healthy and to break the cycle of poverty. I thank the team from the bottom of my heart for taking time out to be part of this great expedition to change children’s lives”. see video of Kids in Calcutta.
People around the country will also have a chance to get involved in this expedition as HOPE has three unique ideas to let the supporters become part of the team. The first is the Every Step Counts campaign, which will see gyms and health clubs ‘step’ with the team. Total Fitness are the first gym to come on board and support this campaign. The Sign the Flag campaign urges schools, businesses, groups and communities to sign a specially designed flag which will be brought by the team and put on Everest. The third is the Mobile Mountain campaign where you can drop your old phone into Basecamp Adventure Store and hopefully they can make a ‘mountain’ out of the amount they have received.
To get involved or learn more check out www.hopechallenge2010.com
The launch night was kindly sponsored by Basecamp store and Jaipur Restaurant.
Espa The Europe Hotel club members climb on Carrauntoohil, wet and windy
Everyone today had a fantastic day out on the mountain even through is rained all day and everyone was soaked to the skin.
We took advantage of the bad weather and decided to make our way up through cascading gullies that were in full flow. We zig zagged our way over rocky outcrops, climbing up a nice chimney called the step of Carrauntoohil which brought us from the Lower coom to the middle coom on the Mountain before entering the classic Curve Gully. This is mainly use as a winter route in snow and ice grade 1/2. before breaking out above Irelands highest lake in Coimin Uachtar into Brother O Shea's Gullys before breaking onto the Beenkeragh Ridge and onto the Summit. Today was wet, windy and exciting for all of the team out today.
see some of our pictures by click here.
For a feel for the events of the day click on our audio interview below.
77 year old and still climbing. For ever young club
The For Ever Young Club:
Derrick Kroll celebrating his 77th Birthday by climbing Irelands Highest Mountain in stormy conditions, Relaxing with his wife Mary who is also celebrating 54 years of happy bliss of adventure with Derrick.
Enjoying a few pints, music and song in Kate Kearney's Cottage after an exciting day for both. Guide Gerry Walsh www.patfalvey.com Listen to the wisdom from Derrick on Audio Boo click .
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