Updated on May 6th 2011 at 11:55 AM from the JustGiving API

Follow me at www.forgottenirish-everest2011.co.uk

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.  I am raising money for The Forgotten Irish appeal.  I am paying all costs, so every penny you donate will go directly to the appeal.

I started climbing around 8 years ago, mostly in the Alps.  In that time I've climbed Denali/Mt McKinley and Mt Blanc, walked up Kilimanjaro with my wife and skiied Mt Fuji.  I now find myself with the ideal opportunity to tackle Mt Everest so I leave on the 27th March to do just that.

As Co-Chairman of the Ireland Fund of Great Britain I've been privileged to help organisations and community groups doing fantastic work among the elderly and vulnerable Irish in the UK.  We launched the "Forgotten Irish" appeal a few years back to raise vital funds for this vulnerable and isolated group, which includes many survivors of institutional abuse.  I want to use my climb to help as many of them as possible, so I'm asking you to dig deep and donate to the cause. 

It's been an interesting time preparing for the climb: I more or less gave up drinking, I've been training 6 days a week.  I have spent as much time as possible winter climbing in the Alps.  To help acclimatisation, I'm sleeping in a hypoxic tent!  I shall be away for about two months but will keep in touch via a blog which will be managed by the Ireland Fund office - I'll make sure you all know where to find this before I depart. 

Every penny will make a real difference to the lives of the "Forgotten Irish"  - thanks for your support.

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