Climbing mountains to make a difference
Last July, a Bailieborough father and son trio raised over €8,000 for their local Cancer Comfort charity by climbing Croagh Patrick twice in just one day.
This year, they decided to scale new heights - tackling the Mayo mountain three times in one day.
“That little plonker of a son of mine James,” proud father Derek McElwaine replied when asked who decided two times wasn’t enough.
“He has a heart of gold. I have to hand it to him.”
“Both his grandparents had cancer,” Derek said, explaining Bailieborough Cancer Comfort Ltd provided support to the family during a difficult time, which is why they wanted to return the favour.
The charity helps families by transporting people battling cancer to and from hospital appointments.
Derek praised both of his sons Conor (8) who did the trek twice and James (11) who completed it three times in just over eight hours.
Although he completed the hike with the boys, Derek is in awe of the kindness of his two sons.
“James and Conor, they deserve the praise. I’m so proud of them.”
When contacted by the Celt on Monday young James was preparing to hit the Mayo coast to relax on the beach after his huge trek the previous day.
He reported he felt “delighted” when he peaked Ireland’s fourth highest mountain for the third time.
“My legs are sore, that’s it,” he said.
James said he wanted “a challenge” and “to raise money for charity”.
Derek was shocked by the kindness of strangers on the mountain who, upon realising what they were doing, donated to their cause. They raised €260 on the mountain alone.
“We weren’t canvassing for anything, it’s just people pointed out the t-shirts we were wearing and handed us money. Just good natured people,” he said.
So far, over €3,000 has been raised on the Facebook fundraiser, which remain open until July 22. There are also sponsorship cards in businesses throughout Bailieborough.
Derek thanked everybody who has supported them to date in particular Gerry Sheannon, one of the drivers for Cancer Comfort Ltd and his brother in law Pauric McKiernan both of whom joined the team on their last venture up the mountain.
“It was a great help and a great motivation,” he said.
To donate to the fundraiser, you can click here