Kinvara teenager Rebecca Patterson, who had vowed to undertake an adventure to raise funds for two worthy charities, is on her way back down from Everest Base Camp after completing her trek this week.
The 17-year-old had been promised by her parents when she was younger that they would support her drive and initiative if she ever wanted to undertake a challenge for a good cause — and when she came back recently with her plans to trek to Everest Base Camp, they were right behind her.
Rebecca aims to raise €4,000 for Pieta House and COPE Galway and she is almost at her target but you can help her exceed that by donating at www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/BeccasTeam “It took seven days of hard trekking, determination and resilience against freezing temperature and no hot showers. However, it was worth every minute as Base Camp was spectacular and so much more that I expected.
“I have enjoyed meeting people along the way, including those within our group and Sherpas who have already climbed Everest, one climbed seven times.
“I am currently on my way down through thick snow and plan to be back in Ireland by Sunday,” she said.
But there will be no resting on laurels for determined Rebecca.
“I completed my Leaving Cert exams last summer and plan to go to Limerick University this September to study Psychology. For the time being, I am enjoying taking a year out and love my job working in Keogh’s, one of our local village pubs. I am using my year out to learn how to drive and later in the summer to go interrailing around Europe with my boyfriend.
“The trip to Everest Base Camp has been an ambition of mine for the last few years, since my Dad went for the first time in 2019. During our trek, my Dad and I plan are proud to use the opportunity to raise funds for two important organisations that are close to our hearts.
“Pieta House provides one to one therapeutic support to people who are in suicidal distress, those who engage in self-harm, and those bereaved by suicide. Having seen the positive influence Pieta House has for the lives young adults, like myself, I appreciate the hard work, help offered and enduring sacrafice of time by Pieta’s staff and volunteers and other similar organisations in which they help thousands of individuals and families. By raising funds for Pieta, I hope to be able to give back in some small way and to show my appreciation for everything they do.
“Everyone needs a safe space, and most of us are lucky enough to have good homes. COPE is there for those who are not as fortunate, to provide that safe space for homeless people and women who suffer from domestic abuse.
“In 2019, my Dad completed a similar trek and raised over €3000 for the establishment of COPE’s Modh Eile House, a refuge for vulnerable women in Galway. We would like to equal or better that target this time, to enable COPE to continue their work to help those who are least able to help themselves.
With the help of her mum Annette, Becky has been posting details of her progress online so that people can donate. See https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/BeccasTeam
