Conquer Everest without ever leaving Mayo!

If you’ve ever dreamt of conquering the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, then get your runners on and make your way to The Leisure Complex at Lough Lannagh, Castlebar, on Tuesday, December 19.

Andy Moran, former GAA All-Star and owner of The Movement Gym, and The Leisure Complex at Lough Lannagh are organising the Everest Challenge in aid of Childline to raise awareness of the amazing work carried out by ISPCC staff and volunteers on the 24/7 listening service for children.

Nine teams of five people will push themselves to climb a phenomenal 29,000 feet on one of nine versa climbing machines in the gym.

But don’t worry, you don’t need to be a gym bunny or a member of Ireland’s Fittest Family to join in. Everyone is welcome, and any time you can give to help, even 10 minutes, will make all the difference to your team-mates.

If you’re interested in joining a team, contact Olaide Anjorin at Olaide.anjorin@ispcc.ie. Entry contributions are voluntary. Every donation, no matter how small, can make a difference. All proceeds from the challenge will go to Childline, Ireland’s only 24/7 listening service for children and young people.

You don’t even need to be a member of a team to help in this fundraiser for Childline; you can donate at https://www.idonate.ie/event/mounteverestclimbchallenge.

Teams are starting simultaneously at 11 a.m. on December 19, and are expected to reach the summit around 3 p.m.

ISPCC and its suite of services, including the Childline 24/7 listening service, is a cause very dear to Andy Moran.

“Our main goal with this challenge is to raise awareness of the wonderful work that is being done by the ISPCC,” Andy commented.

“The leisure complex at Lough Lannagh is here to support all children and we are delighted to help shine a light and support the great work done by the ISPCC.”

ISPCC needs to raise up to 75% of its funding through donations each year to ensure it can support children and young people 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.