Rumble in the Jungle

St Aidan’s Cootehill school is set to host a thrilling fundraiser this Friday, April 17, at the Errigal Country House Hotel, as the Parents Association brings the Jungle Fundraiser to life. Inspired by the jungle-themed reality TV show 'I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here', 24 brave contestants will face nine testing quests. Divided into two teams of 12, they will compete in a series of intense and entertaining trials to raise funds for a new school canteen.

Organised by the Parents Association, treasurer Stephanie McPhillips described the event as “basically like the jungle”, with challenges designed to test nerves.

“Oh god no!” was her response when asked whether she was participating herself. “It took me two days to stroke a small pet snake one of the contestants happens to keep.”

Stephanie is happy enough to organise “in the background” with all the other hard-working volunteers.

Contestants will face trials involving glass coffins filled with snakes, head boxes containing spiders, and other fear-inducing setups. While some challenges may appear daunting, all activities are carefully controlled to ensure participant safety. Contestants will be asked to consume unusual concoctions and, in some cases, edible insects. However, Stephanie reassured that nothing provided will be harmful.

“It’s more the imagination of what you could be drinking,” she said with a laugh.

Much to the student community's delight, participants include a mix of teachers, the vice principal, staff, and members of the wider community. Each contestant has assumed a game name like 'Monster Cookie', 'Fierce-ish' or 'The Flash' and is running their own fundraising page linking in with the initiative.

The competition winner will be determined by both endurance on the night and the amount of money raised, with a commemorative plaque awarded.

The PA are grateful for the contribution of Mastek as main sponsor. Ticket sales are strong, but with capacity for up to 500 attendees, there is still space available.

Supporters can also contribute fundraising pages promoted on the school and Parents Association social media platforms.