Climbing Kilimanjaro for a good cause

A Redhills man will climb Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.

There are “two reasons” why Patrick McMahon has decided to take on the 5,895-metre ascent; a desire to “push myself outside my comfort zone” having turned forty last February, and the “big reason” to raise money for a charity close to his heart.

Patrick’s mum Bernie was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s around seven years ago, and Patrick decided to take on the challenge to raise much-needed funds for the charity.

“This disease affects so many people and so many families, and it’s such a difficult one for everyone concerned. If I can push myself and do things but raise money for a really important charity at the same time then that pushes you on.”

The father of two has been living in Manchester for the past 18 years with his wife Lisa, and will fly out to Tanzania on February 11. His preparations comprised “nothing serious” but he feels he is fit enough to take on the challenge. His biggest concern is the difference in temperature, he expects it to be around 29°C when he lands in the country, and around -20°C at the top.

So far, he has raised over £1,900 far in excess of his initial target of £500. The trip is self-funded, and everything donated will go towards the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.

While he will climb Kilimanjaro with a group of strangers, who he is looking forward to getting to know, Patrick will have an abundance of support from his friends and family in Ireland and Manchester. Last weekend, the family went for a walk in the countryside, when his young sons Max and Josh, pretended to climb a mountain. “It’s [the climb] for the reasons I mentioned, but for your kids - it sets a good example.”

Asked how he feels about the eight-day trek, he said: “It’s hard to know what to expect. I’ve never done anything like this before. “I’m really looking forward to it.” His mum Bernie, who was a nurse for over forty years, will be on his mind throughout. Bernie lives at home in Redhills with the care of her husband P.J. McMahon and nearby family, friends and carers, one of whom, Rosaleen Smith, has been with her for the past four years and is “like a friend” to her. Patrick thanked everybody who has donated to his fundraiser to date. Donations can be made online at www.justgiving.com by searching Patrick McMahon and Kilimanjaro.