Charity climb inspired by hero climber

A FUNDRAISING night for a climb to the top of Kilimanjaro that was inspired by the late mountaineer Ian McKeever will be held on the Southside this Friday.

Hurling star Brian Horgan and friends (pictured right) kicked off the fundraising night at Harold’s Cross Greyhound Stadium in aid of the Tallamanjaro Ospideal Climb 2013.

Taking place on Friday (April 5), this will be the main event to help raise money for new specialised equipment for children going to theatre in the National Children’s Hospital Tallaght.

Harold’s Cross Greyhound Stadium General Manager Philip Peake and volunteers made of doctors, nurses and Tallaght IT students will set off on their adventure on May 18 for for the 10 day expedition.

Climbing Kilimanjaro for the National Children’s Hospital Tallaght was the brainchild of the late Ian McKeever who was a regular visitor to the hospital and his enthusiasm and encouragement for the climb has inspired many others to take part.

On January 2 McKeever was struck by lightning and died while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

Philip Peake said:

“I’m delighted to be involved in this project which should be a once in a lifetime experience for all concerned while raising much needed funds for the National Children’s Hospital Tallaght.

“We hope that as many people as possible can come along to the special fundraising event at Harold’s Cross Greyhound Stadium on April 5.

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Eleanor O’Leary of the National Children’s Hospital Tallaght and one of the group climbing, added:

“A total of 15 of us will depart for Kilimanjaro in May and we are excited about reaching the roof of Africa – the highest free standing mountain in the world.

“Monies raised from this climb will purchase essential equipment for the Operating Theatre in Tallaght Hospital and we are looking forward to all our fundraising events in the run up to our departure.

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Mountaineer Mike O’Shea is leading the expedition with Brian Hogan and comedian Maeve Higgins acting as ambassadors to help promote associated fundraising events along with BMW who are the main sponsors of the Tallamanjaro Climb.

For more information on the fundraising event at Harold’s Cross Greyhound Stadium log onto www.igb.ie