Keen cyclist Kieran Swail is taking on the epic challenge of ‘Everesting’, Saturday 13th September. Along with training partner James McKernan, Kieran plans to cycle up 8,848 metres, the equivalent height of Mount Everest. This is part of a fundraising effort for PIPS Hope and Support, the suicide prevention and support charity based in Newry and Little Heros, an independent charity for sick children based in the Royal Victoria Hospital for Sick Children who help to provide the paediatric team with tools to save lives and improve outcomes.
The duo will cycle up and down a CarnCastle Hill Climb, near Ballygally, with a length of 4.7km and average gradient of 6.1, thirty-one times. Kieran and James will be cycling round the clock with a provisional estimate of the cycle duration coming in at around 26 hours. To keep the pair motivated as they cycle throughout the day and night, the pair will be joined by other cycling crews for several laps and are keen for other avid cyclists to join in for a few laps.
The pair have been in training for several months for the event and began tapering at the start of September in the run up to the main event.
Kieran, having lived in Warrenpoint for eight years, has maintained his close links to the Newry and surrounding area through his role at Southern Regional College where he lectures part-time in areas of travel and tourism but also in his role as a business support Innovation Techology Specialist at the College’s Business Support & Innovation unit, expertly guiding local tourism businesses in business improvements.
Speaking on his upcoming fundraiser, Kieran said;
“Both PIPS Hope and Support and Little Heros are charities close to my heart, and I’m delighted to able to fundraise for both charities. It will be hard cycling throughout the night, but nothing compares to the valiant efforts the charities put into supporting and encouraging individuals and families on a daily basis. Any support in terms of donations or support on the day would be appreciated”.
To donate to both of these amazing charities, visit: https://gvwhl.com/XWEAF. For those intending on supporting in person, visit CarnCastle Hill between 8am on Saturday 13th September and 12 noon on Sunday 14th September. Parking and facilities are available at the Ballygalley Car Park and Community Hall.
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CLANRYE NEWS 