Fundraiser in memory of Carl Henderson to bring life-saving defibrillator to Errigal

Friends of an Armagh man who died on a climb of Errigal in April are embarking on a fundraiser this weekend to place a defibrillator on the mountain.

Over 100 people have already signed up to take part in Climb For Carl, in memory of Carl Henderson.

The climb takes place this Sunday, from 11am.

The idea came from first responders on the day that Carl, late of Moira, Armagh, and formerly of Ingleby, Barwick in England, passed away on the iconic west Donegal mountain.

The father-of-three died on April 26 after suffering a medical event while hiking on Errigal. On the day, it took over 50 minutes for a land ambulance to arrive to him on the mountain path. The closest defibrillator was roughly the same time away.

Now his friends are attempting to raise money for the provision of an eco-powered, weather-resistant defibrillator (AED) on Errigal.

Over 40,000 people visit Errigal each year and this will provide vital life-saving equipment for them.

“By doing this, we hope that another family won't have to go through the pain of losing a loved one,” organisers say.

A portion of the proceeds will also support the Donegal Mountain Rescue Team (DMRT), whose volunteers cover the entire county 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and who rely solely on donations.

Participants are asked to gather at the Old School in Dunlewey, F92 PK22 (next to Roarty’s Shop), where they can collect wristbands between 11-11.30am.

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Organisers are urging everyone who plans to attend to pre-register online and make use of the free park-and-ride shuttle bus on the day. Donations can be made here:  https://www.idonate.ie/crowdfunder/ClimbForCarl

A free park-and-ride shuttle bus, kindly sponsored by Cronan McFadden, will operate from 11.30 m to bring participants to the starting point, with the climb beginning in staggered groups from 11.45am.