Reek rowing challenge raises €13,000 for charities

A charity challenge that involved carrying a rowing machine up and down snowy Croagh Patrick, with a 20,000 metre row on the summit, has raised €13,000 to date.

Shane Warde and David Morrin took on the endurance challenge - #Row With Your Struggle - to raise funds for Pieta House and Mayo Mental Health Association.

Their challenge last weekend was daunting enough with a 100-kilometre round trip from Cong to the Reek either end of carrying a Concept 2 rowing machine up the mountain (764 metres) and back down again, with a 20-kilometre row on the summit.

Throw in some snow, and it was a real test of their fitness and stamina.

In all, it took the lads 12 hours to complete the challenge but they got home safe and sound, helped by their trusted support team, Frank Morrin and Miko Keane.

Shane and David set out to raise €5,000 – they have smashed that target and at last count had raised €13,000.

In what has been a tough year for many, they took on the challenge for the two charities to show people that there are always brighter days ahead and there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

You can donate at their GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/row-with-your-struggle