Westport's Kenneth Gannon will be embarking on a charity climb of Croagh Patrick on Saturday next, April 25 at 12 noon to raise money and awareness for Brain Tumour Ireland. This is not the first time that Kenneth has raised money for a brain tumour charity; in November 2010, he raised €7,119 for Brainwaves Northern Ireland from a very successful table quiz in Westport. After four and a half years, he is on the fundraising trail again, this time in aid of Brain Tumour Ireland.
Speaking in advance of the event Mr Gannon said: “I am delighted to be embarking on this challenge for Brain Tumour Ireland. I have completed a trial climb in preparation for the big event. The main reasons behind the climb are to raise money for Brain Tumour Ireland, and to help raise awareness of brain tumours in Ireland.
“Last Friday, April 10, I ran a very successful bucket collection in Westport in advance of the climb and I would really like to thank everybody who generously contributed and also the volunteers for helping out on the day.”
Kenneth's personal journey with brain tumours began when his father, Bertie, was diagnosed in July 1997 and passed away in June 1998 at the age of 47. Unfortunately Kenneth had experience of brain tumours in his family twice within 12 years. His mother, Mary, was diagnosed in October 2009 and she passed away in April 2010, aged 54.
Speaking of this difficult time Kenneth said: “They were both tough journeys and the effect of the brain tumours on my parents is something that’s hard to forget; the diminishing quality of life and the challenges it posed. Their passing was a happy release for both of them.”
Cliona Doyle, spokesperson for Brain Tumour Ireland, said: “We are extremely grateful to Kenneth for organising this charity climb of the famous Reek in Mayo. Not only is he raising funds but also crucially, he is helping to raise awareness of the incidence of brain tumours, of which there are approximately 400 cases per year in Ireland. Brain Tumour Ireland works to raise awareness of brain tumours and in the long term we hope to put funding into medical research in this area. We provide support for patients and their families and sign post the services that are there for them.
Kenneth concluded: “I have set-up a Facebook page called “Climb The Reek For Brain Tumour Ireland” including a promotional YouTube video, which shows off the stunning views at Croagh Patrick. I encourage people to check out the page, get involved and all are welcome to climb the Reek with me. Hopefully the weather will be clear enough on the 25th to afford us those breathtaking views.”
If you wish to join Kenneth Gannon on the climb, you can register at www.iregister.ie/climbthereek If you would like to donate, you can do so at www.mycharity.ie/event/kenneth_gannons_event You can also donate to the bucket collection at Murrisk Car Park on the day of the climb, on Saturday April 25. To find out more about Brain Tumour Ireland, log on to www.braintumourireland.com
