Longford fundraiser: Brendan takes on Kilimanjaro challenge

Later this year a young man will traverse the inhospitable dormant volcano located in Kilimanjaro Region of Tanzania to raise funds for a very worthy cause.

Brendan O'Reilly is an 18 year old student from Mullahoran and former pupil of Cnoc Mhuire Granard: “In August I will climb Mount Kilimanjaro in order to raise funds for the Meningitis Research Foundation.”

The fundraiser is run by an organisation called 'Choose a Challenge' who raise money for charities by doing extraordinary trips to places such as Mount Kilimanjaro: “I was sitting in a lecture in the University of Limerick when a man from Choose a Challenge came in to tell us about this opportunity to climb the highest mountain in Africa for charity.

“I nudged the lad sitting beside me, a Monaghan man who is studying the same course as me, and said to him 'I'll go if you go',” Brendan told the Leader of how he got involved.

Around 25 University of Limerick students will join with students from other colleges around Ireland for the adventure.

To get to that point, Brendant will organise a number of fundraising events: “I have organised a tractor run for Sunday, May 5 in Kilcogy Village and I hope people will support this worthy cause.”

Aside from the fundraising Kilimanjaro will present a tough challenge: “I'm new to the hiking scene. Mount Kilimanjaro is 21 times the height of Corn Hill above sea level, needless to say, it's a whole different ball game, with the biggest issue being the lack of oxygen at the high altitude.

“The route is about 60km long. During the summer the temperature in Tanzania can be around 30 degrees during the day, but it can fall to as low as -8 degrees at night, so conditions can be challenging. The trek will take six days and for some of the days we will be walking for 9-10 hours,” Brendan said.

The Mullahoran student has a novel training plan: “I'd like to think I'm fit enough for the challenge, it won't be easy, I play football with Mullahoran and we are training away getting ready for the league. I intend on gaining hiking experience on Croagh Patrick, The Galtee Mountains and the likes. At the moment, there is no lack of opportunity for exercise at home, as we are in the middle of the calving season!”

The tractor run is not his first fundraiser: “On St. Stephen's Day, I was assisted by my brother Colm in organising a 5-a-side soccer tournament in Mullahoran GAA complex. Overall, it was a great success raising over €1,000. Prizes were sponsored by Cico Sports and Micsín's Pub and although not everybody was lucky enough to win, everyone went home happy.”

On May 5, Brendan hosts the tractor run in Kilcogy Village: “Registration will be from 12 o'clock in Micsín's with tractors departing at 1 o'clock. All monies raised are going directly towards the Meningitis Research Foundation.

“This charity does trojan work in not only research but also in providing support to patients who are suffering from meningitis and their families. Unfortunately, this can be a very critical disease so it is very rewarding to think that the money I am raising may help to save somebody's life.”

People can also donate online to my 'Justgiving' page which can be found by googling 'Brendan O'Reilly Kilimanjaro'.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/brendan-oreilly-1696940467758