Dublin native’s Kilimanjaro climb for IKA

When Dublin man Martin Sherlock sets out on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro next month, he won’t just be climbing Africa’s highest peak.

He will be carrying with him a tribute to the organ donors who gave his sister, Angela, the chance of a full and fulfilling life.

The 57-year-old, who grew up in Greenhills as one of ten siblings and has made Kilmuckridge, County Wexford, his home for the past twenty-six years, will begin the seven-day ascent on September 8.

The challenge will test his endurance to the summit before a two-day descent, and it is both a personal mission and a fundraiser for the Irish Kidney Association.

Angela’s story is at the centre of it all. As a child she endured years of hospital stays and surgeries before beginning dialysis at sixteen.

She received her first kidney transplant in 1991 at the age of 17.

That gift gave her five years of renewed life, but when it failed she returned to dialysis for another seven years, undergoing CAPD, APD and haemodialysis.

In 2003, a second transplant transformed her future.

Today Angela gives back as a trained IKA Peer Supporter, volunteering her time to help others navigate their own kidney journeys.

“Thanks to the generosity of organ donors, Angela has been able to live a full and adventurous life,” Martin said.

“She has represented Ireland in Transplant Sport events, travelled the world, and built connections with amazing people along the way.

“It’s because of her donors that she’s been able to live such a full life. Organ donation works. It changes lives, my family has seen it firsthand.”

Martin’s climb is a way of honouring that truth. “I decided to take on this challenge in February this year and have never done anything like this before,” he said.

“It will involve a climb for seven days to reach the summit and then two days descent. I look forward to completing the challenge and then meeting my first grandson on my return to Ireland. September promises to be an unforgettable month.”

The father of two and grandfather of three expects his fourth grandchild — and first grandson — to arrive while he is on the mountain.

When he reaches the summit, Martin will carry with him an organ donor card and two Forget Me Not flower emblems, symbols of the gift of life.

They will serve as his tribute to Angela’s two donors, whose generosity changed everything.

“I hope that by me taking on the challenge I will inspire more people to have the conversation about organ donation with your loved ones,” he said.

“It’s something that can give others a second chance at life.”

Martin is self-financing the expedition through Irish tour operator Earth’s Edge, with every euro raised going directly to the Irish Kidney Association.

The organisation supports kidney patients and their families across Ireland while also promoting the importance of organ donation.

He will be documenting his Kilimanjaro journey on Instagram at @martinfsherlock and donations can be made at www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/MartinSherlock

More information on the Irish Kidney Association and organ donation is available at www.ika.ie