Southsiders take on the Four Peaks

SEVERAL Southsiders were taking part in a gruelling mountain-climbing challenge over the weekend to raise vital funds for four Irish charities.

Gemma Vaughan from Rathfarnham, Colm Scannell from Terenure, Gerry O’Brien from Tallaght and David McAvinue from Walkinstown, were taking on the Four Peaks Challenge over the May Bank Holiday weekend to raise much needed funds for the four charities – Focus Ireland, CMRF Crumlin, Pieta House and Cystic Fibrosis Ireland.

They are part of a 22 strong team from Grafton Merchanting ROI, which includes brands such as Chadwicks and Heiton Buckely who were taking on Slieve Donard in Co Down; Lugnaquilla in Co Wicklow; Carrauntoohil in Co Kerry and Mweelrea in Co Mayo.

The challenge aims to raise in excess of €40,000 for the four charities.

The team at Grafton Merchanting ROI had been training hard for the demanding four-day challenge but speaking ahead of the weekend Gemma said it had been easy to stay motivated.

“It’s a great opportunity to check something off the bucket list while raising awareness and money for some great charities,” she said.

Speaking about the challenge, Patrick Atkinson, CEO, Grafton Merchanting, added: “We are aiming to raise important funds for four richly deserving charities in Ireland by undertaking the Four Peaks Challenge.

“We have a long and proud history of working with and donating to charities who raise funds for those most in need in Ireland.”