Southside teens prepare to take on Kilimanjaro

FOUR Southside teenagers are about to take on the momentous challenge of climbing Africa’s Mount Kilimanjaro in a bid to raise much-needed funds for sick children.

The teenagers, who all attend Ballinteer Community School, will be accompanied by 116 students from schools throughout Ireland.

The four students, Gary Elbert, Leanne Jordan, Megan Carroll and Jake Clifford, will have to raise an estimated E20,000 between them in order to take on the challenge.

The climb is also expected to feature in the Guinness Book of Records for the most climbers on Kilimanjaro at any one time.

Speaking to Southside People, Gary Elbert (16), from Sandyford, said the fundraising has been going exceptionally well. He said he was very excited to be taking part in such an event.

The money raised will go towards the Intensive Care Unit in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, and to the Chernobyl Children’s charity.

“It’s great,

? he said.

“This is an opportunity for us to help children who are a lot less better off than we are. The money raised for the hospital will hopefully allow the children to take their breathing equipment home instead of them having to spend all their time in hospital. It will be great to see them being able to spend more time with their families.

?

Gary’s mother, Caroline Elbert, said the parents of the four teenagers have been campaigning tirelessly to raise funds.

“It’s exhausting but we’re getting there,

? she said.

“Some of the other schools taking part have been raising funds since last September but we only started in January of this year so it’s been an extra challenge.

?

She said the parents and their children have been doing everything from bag packing to pub quizzes in a bid to raise money.

“Some of the fundraising has been held between all of us. The funds raised from the joint events have then been split between the four students taking part.

?

Caroline has invited Southsiders to attend a fundraising event in the Rockfield Lounge, Dundrum on August 14.

The event will feature a show from male stripping group the Chain Gang.

“The event is open to everybody and it’s for a great cause,

? Caroline said.

“We’d love to see as many people as possible coming down. Everybody is welcome.

?

Tickets for the night will cost E10, and E5 from each ticket sold will go to the charities.

Caroline said tickets are available in the run up to the event and can be purchased at the Rockfield Lounge.

She said a number of posters have been put up around the Southside that contain further contact details for those interested in buying tickets.