Two Roscommon men who had emigrated to Australia recently returned home to present local charities with funds raised from their challenge of a lifetime. Roch Hanmore and John Comiskey undertook a charity trek from December 20, 2013 to January 6, 2014 to Mount Everest Base Camp and raised over €17,000 for Croí and The Irish Cancer Society.
Aptly named ‘Peter’s Trek’, the challenge was inspired by John’s younger brother Peter who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma last year and also his dad Peter who passed away 20 years ago from a suspected heart attack. On route, they were joined by Roch’s sister Catriona who was a welcome addition to the challenge team. Together, they achieved what most of us only dream of, and were driven on by the immense support they received from people back home.
At an altitude of 5545m above sea level and in the depths of winter, this trek was no stroll in the park and proved to be both a physically and mentally demanding challenge. Once the trek was completed, John commented “Our struggle on those high altitude days was insignificant compared to what some people go through on a daily basis, but it was so worthwhile if the funds raised can help someone conquer their own ‘Everest’!”
All expenses were covered by the participants, meaning that every cent raised went directly to help these two charities in the fight against heart disease, stroke, and cancer. The charities and the two trekkers would like to thank everyone who supported and sponsored them on their challenge.
