Firefighters climb ‘Everest’ in Nenagh
Sky-rising fundraiser for children’s charity
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Leigh Rivett, Kenneth McGrath, Martin Orr, Anthony Griffin, Niall Cashen, Declan Hearns (Roscrea) and Piotr Simski, all Nenagh, bar Declan, pictured at Nenagh Fire Station after they completed the ‘Everest’ climb. Brian ArthurImage 2 of 2
Declan Hearns (Roscrea) climbs the ladder as firefighters from all over the country climbed the equivalent height of Mount Everest, a staggering 8,848 meters (that’s 29,029 feet) in aid of the children’s cancer charity, Aoibheann’s Pink Tie. PHOTOGRAPHs: BRIAN ARTHUR Brian ArthurOVER 30 firefighters from across Tipperary, Clare, Limerick joined 70 other firefighters from across the country in Nenagh on Saturday week last to climb the equivalent of Mount Everest - on ladders!
That this major event taking place in the town was evident from days before as firefighters from all over almost took over the Abbey Court Hotel where they were accommodated as they prepared for their big climb.
The retained firefighters converged on Tipperary County Council’s fire station on the Limerick Road to conquer their “Everest” climb, using a 13.5 metre ladder to climb the equivalent of Everest’s 8,449 metres - all in an effort to “put out the fire” on children’s cancer in Ireland.
The event formed a centrepiece for wider fundraising effort for Aoibheann’s Pink Tie National Children’s Cancer Charity, being held across the country.
The firefighters also conducted bucket collections and mounted an extensive online effort to raise funds for this vital service. Colleagues also conducted bucket collections in other parts of the country.
An event spokesperson said: “The charity is one very close to the hearts of our fire crews. In 2019, Retained Personnel took to the streets across the country and raised over €100,000. In 2021 we hope to break through this figure.”
As part of the event, the Coast Guard Helicopter performed a fly-by and a high-power laser show rounded off proceedings.
The Aoibheann’s Pink Tie Lighthouse Project, which benefited from the event, is a vital service, giving families from every part of Ireland who have a child receiving vital cancer treatment in hospital, clean, safe, purpose-built accommodation for the period of their child’s cancer treatment.
Said Stephen McFadden, Chairman, of the National Retained Firefighters Association: “Our firefighters have a caring ethos, a spirit of volunteerism, and a need to achieve something real. Most people know somebody who has been touched by fire much like cancer so we the firefighters of Ireland are here to help with both current and future projects like this.”