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Padraig Keane and Tom O’Regan.
A KERRY man and a Cork man will take on a unique challenge next weekend in aid of Muscular Dystrophy Ireland.
Next Saturday, Padraig Keane and Tom O’Regan will complete a 100km Cycle from their homes in Listowel and Mallow, respectively, before climbing to the 707m summit of Knockboy, which straddles the borders of the two counties.
Muscular Dystrophy Ireland (MDI) provide support for people and their families who are living with Muscular Dystrophy and allied neuromuscular conditions, and it was the duo’s personal connection to the organisation that motivated them to take on the Fundraising Challenge, as well as the challenge of doing so amid Covid-19 restrictions.
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Something which Tom O’Regan says they were more that willing to do: “Both of us have strong connections to MDI, we have friends who use MDI’s services and supports, and we’ve both been fortunate to have worked with the organisation in the past and seen the impact it can have. With Covid-19, organisations like MDI need help more than ever, and we were keen to play our part despite the extra challenges.”
On the challenge itself, and the impact of Covid-19 restrictions, Padraig Keane adds: “With the new restrictions, we had to change our original plans from 6 Peaks Climbing Challenge across Munster, to a Cycle and Climbing Challenge that lets us both stay within our respective counties but still complete it together. Knockboy Mountain is the perfect place for us to finish the challenge. It brings Kerry and Cork together, much the same way our communities have come together to support this challenge. It’s been fantastic and we want to thank everyone who has donated so far.”
For Muscular Dystrophy Ireland, Fundraisers such as these are essential for charities, as Fundraising Coordinator Patrick Flanagan explains: “Community fundraising plays a huge part in helping charities like MDI provide important services that help people deal with daily challenges, as well as those presented by Covid. It’s thanks to supporters like Padraig and Tom, that we can deliver Emergency Respite Care, Crisis Counselling Support, and Essential Medical Transport supports to our members. So we want to thank everyone involved and encourage people to donate to this effort.”
To donate to Padraig and Tom’s fundraising challenge for MDI, go to the MDI Facebook page or GoFundMe Page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/tom-amp-podge039s-munster-peaks-for-mdi
For more information on muscular dystrophy and the work of Muscular Dystrophy Ireland, visit www.mdi.ieor follow on Facebook at facebook.com/mdiireland and on Twitter @MDI_Ireland.
