Hi guys.

I'm finally doing my annual hike for my Father again of Croagh Patrick on January 11th 2025(I missed Daffodil Day in 2024 largely due to work and a hectic schedule then but did have a hike with work colleagues in 2024 outside of this in July). I had finally found a date in early December but Storm Darragh on mountain rescue advice made me revise this date first to the 20th, then ambitiously still for before the end of the year. Unfortunately a virus hit on the 20th and it has not shook itself in time so I've had no option but to delay it to January but it will go ahead now finally (and another event for 2025 I am sure). I'm upset not to do this before the years out but it just became inevitable. I might take on an extra challenge on the day (open to suggestions or for the follow on 2025 event).

I will be donating money myself to Irish Cancer Society as always and directed towards cancer research if possible as I've done before but will be raising money on this page for Unicef Ireland and towards the Gaza Emergency Crisis Appeal.

48km is the length of the route along Salah al-Din Road, the main road of the Gaza Strip. Stretching across the entire territory from the north's Erez Crossing to the south's Rafah Crossing, Salah al-Din Road is the route that most people are forced to travel through in search of safety. Many families at their worst facing unspeakable terror and the threat of death round every corner.

I’m debating doing the hike in my feet to represent the journey of the many Palestinians who make that survival journey often without appropriate clothing or footwear to do so given the apocalyptic conditions been inflicted on them. Also in context of water, which I am of course interested in, they often times do this in where they shelter with little access to safe or clean water. Training, my lack of fitness, Conditions and schedule after is making me consider the on foot pilgrimage, so I do complete the hike.

My father was a man who cared about nature but people too. He was a very giving person and kind soul at heart. I'm sure if he was around today, he'd be more than willing to help the people of Gaza in such dire crisis and happy to support causes of humanitarian concern. So I will be raising money for this important timely cause and also supporting the Irish Cancer Society I've raised for in this event prior personally by matching a donation to what is received here if I can. In person donations welcome to either charity too of course.

Any donations much appreciated though or if anyone wishes to join me, let me know.

UNICEF has helped save more children's lives than any other humanitarian organization.

Thousands of children under the age of five die every day because they lack proper nutrition, safe drinking water, affordable vaccines and other basic necessities that most people in Ireland. take for granted. UNICEFs lifesaving interventions and programs around the world have helped reduce the number of child deaths by 50% since 1990, and yet 17,000 children still die every day from preventable causes.