Ardoyne Kickham’s Oisin Mac An Bhiocaire took on the green grassy and slippery slopes of the Cavehill in a heroic effort to raise much needed funds for the North Belfast Community Foodbank. Oisin’s ‘My Everest’ campaign was just the latest in his extraordinary efforts to make a difference to his local community. Last Christmas he took on the ‘Cycle Climb Cycle’ challenge, raising much-needed funds for the cause.
This year though was undoubtedly the toughest physical and mental challenge to date, completing 25 laps of Cave Hill Country Park, the equivalent height of Mount Everest. As Oisin stated: “Every Christmas I push myself to complete an extreme challenge to raise much needed funds for The North Belfast Community Foodbank. Many families in my local community are feeling the strain now more than ever and having to choose between heating their homes or feeding their families, and I want to do my part in helping to raise some much-needed funding to ensure the continuation of this service for those that need it the most.”
Oisin and his support team arrived at Cave Hill Country Park at 11.30pm on Thursday to begin walking the 368m high Cave Hill 25 times, finishing at 8pm on Saturday night. “I slept in a campervan, but got a maximum of 4 hours sleep over the two nights. The support of local businesses and local community, sports teams, friends and family have all come on board and joined me in completing some of the laps. That gave me great encouragement along the way.”
This extraordinary effort also brought out the best of the GAA community. “Members of other local clubs joined me for part of the climb and I want to thank Laochra Loch Lao, Rossa, Sarsfields and especially my home team of Ardoyne Kickhams. Dan McConnell Antrim GAA PRO posted my efforts on social media. It has been a real community effort with fellow Gaels jumping in and taking part.”
To date over £8,000 has been raised through Oisin’s Everest campaign. With many families choosing between heating their homes and putting food on the table this Christmas, Oisin really has demonstrated that the heart of the GAA is being at the heart of its community. Massive congratulations to Oisin and his team. Fellow Gaels are invited to show their support by donating to Oisín’s ‘My Everest’ Challenge:
People can support by donating at the link HERE
