.
Organisers present the proceeds of this year’s 54321 Challenge to representatives from Enable Ireland, Kerry Hospice and Skellig Stars.
THE gruelling 54321 Challenge was held back in August and raised nearly €35,000 for three worthy causes.
The challenge, which started eight years ago with a team of five people taking part over four days, completing three cycles, and climbing two mountains for one cause – a local charity.
The Challenge had grown in numbers over the years, and this year was to be no different with a large number of participants ready to undertake the challenge.
Continued below…
.
However, due to the current COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic and the corresponding lockdown, and health & safety recommendations from the HSA around large groups of people, the 54321 Challenge committee made the tough decision that all 50 participants could not complete this years Challenge.
So instead the decision was made that the Challenge would revert to the original 7 participants undertaking the 4-day challenge, which took place from Thursday 20th to Sunday 23rd of August inclusive.
They took on a cycle of the Ring of Kerry, a climb of Carrantuohill, a cycle from Killarney to the foot of Mount Brandon and then climb Mt Brandon and a cycle from Dingle to Killarney.
When it was all over, the Challenge 2020 raised €34,768.97. This year’s selected charities are Skellig Stars (Group of children and adult athletes with special needs); The Kerry Hospice and Enable Ireland Kerry.
This brings the total raised to date €241,352.00 supporting a number of very deserving Kerry charities over the years.
A major contributor to this year’s fundraising efforts were a number of Spinathon Days where this year’s participants, volunteers from the various causes, family and friends took the streets in different locations around the county on spinning bikes.
These events took place in Cahirciveen, Killorglin, Listowel, Dingle, Killarney and finally in Tralee.
The organisers thanked everyone who made these Spinathons possible, to all the volunteers, and thanks to all the members of the public who gave their support and generous donations, and finally yet importantly thanks to An Garda Síochána and especially James Foley for his help with the organisation of the Spinathons.
One of the organisers, TJ O Connor said: “If this year has thought us anything, it is too be thankful for what we have, our health is our wealth, and the power of people working together can get us through some of the most difficult situations. We are so glad that we went ahead with the 54321 Challenge 2020 and that the monies raised will provide some comfort to those availing of the services offered by this year causes.”
