In July 2022, together with a fantastic team of people, I will be representing my school, Edmund Rice College, by taking on the challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro; the highest free standing mountain in the world. This vast mountain will be a climb of 5,895 metres (19,341 ft) and a climb that will take the team seven days to complete.

We are fundraising on behalf of ALPS - a community based Mental Health charity established to offer support and services on emotional wellbeing, mental health education & suicide prevention to those most in need. I know this organisation very well through my role as Head of Community at Edmund Rice College and know the extreme benefits that they provide to our community.

It is as the Head of ERC Community that I will be undertaking this once in a lifetime challenge. I was invited to represent ERC by ALPS fundraising coordinator, Frank Diamond (an absolute legend of a man) in recognition of the community work ERC has done throughout the Covid19 pandemic in support of Mental Health and Well-being in our school, local and wider communities.

Mental health and well-being are at the very heart of the ethos of ERC and we are fully committed to supporting such a worthy and important cause. It will be all systems go in the final term of school this year as our staff and pupils pull together to support the fundraising for this challenge.

Any donation you can make is done so by means of a voluntary contribution to the ALPS charity and will be so gratefully received. Thank you in advance for your support and for assisting to make a difference in the lives of many!

Colette Deery

ALPS - All Lives Are Precious

Unit 16 Down Business Park

Downpatrick

BT30 9UP

07731928058 (Ronan)