A Cavan family will complete four peaks in the space of 24 hours in support of four charities. Colm Caffrey and his wife Valerie from Virginia organised the climb as a way to "give back" to services who helped them when their daughter Indie was born almost 11 weeks prematurely in November 2020.
After suffering a haemorrhage after birth, Indie had to receive a total of four brain surgeries before her first birthday. Despite this, the Virginia two-year-old has gone from strength to strength, and is the most lovable, funniest and happiest girl you could meet, according to her mum.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Valerie added that since the day Indie was born, her family have felt indebted to all the medical staff who helped her and who continue to help to this day.
Valerie went on to explain what the challenge will involve; "Basically Colm will climb the highest peak in each province in 24 hours, starting with Mweelrea, Co Mayo, Carrauntoohill, Co. Kerry, Lugnaquilla, Co. Wicklow, and finishing with Slieve Donard in Co. Down.
"The event will be starting on 2nd June and finishing up on 3rd June evening - some of the climbs will be partially in darkness also. Colm started his training for this in 2022 and is deep in training to make this a huge success. Myself and a team will be travelling with Colm and completing some of the climbs with him, our aim is to have fresh legs on each climb to keep Colm going."
Valerie continued; "Our whole reasoning behind this event is our daughter Indie, who was born almost 11 weeks prematurely in November 2020 in the height of Covid. After birth she suffered an intraventricular haemorrhage which later developed a condition called Hydrocephalus. She has since been diagnosed with CVI - Cortical Visual Impairment, PVL - Periventricular Leukomalacia and also Cerebal Palsy Spastic Diplegia.
"Our aim is to raise no less than €20,000 for our four charities - CHI Temple St, The Coombe Women’s and Infants Hospital, NCBI, and Enable Ireland Cavan branch."
To donate, visit: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/4Peaks4Charities24Hours
