Cope Foundation, the charity which supports 2,800 people with disabilities in County Cork, is delighted to announce that Cork senior hurler Séamus Harnedy will line out to help their 5 Peaks 1 Week fundraising drive.
The 5 Peaks 1 Week challenge has been a resounding success with teams of people scaling some of the country’s tallest mountains by simply walking close to their home, and making good use of their stairs.
The five mountains being targeted are the highest in Munster. They include Carrauntoohil in Co. Kerry, Galtymore in Co. Limerick and Co. Tipperary, Knockmealdown in Co. Waterford, Moylussa in Co. Clare, and Knockboy in Co. Cork.
Giving back to community
Appointed captain of the Cork senior hurling team for the 2018 and 2019 seasons, Séamus is never one to shy away from a worthwhile challenge.
A local and county hero, his sterling performance and goals helped his local club Imokilly hold off Glen Rovers for a Cork three-in-a-row, and he picked up his third consecutive Cork senior hurling titles at Páirc Uí Rinn last year.
A great sport on and off the pitch, Séamus will now take on the challenge with his sister Cáit, who is supported by Cope Foundation, his fellow Imokilly GAA team-mate, Brian Mulcahy and Brian’s brother, Colm, who is also supported by Cope Foundation.
Séamus Harnedy says; “I’m delighted to be able to support the 5 Peaks 1 Week challenge for Cope Foundation. My sister, Cáit, is supported by the organisation, so I have a genuine understanding of the work they do, and it’s great to be able to help out in any way.
“I am really looking forward to getting started with Cáit, Colm and Brian. Being a member of the senior Cork team means that I’m proud to wear the jersey on and off the pitch.
“When it comes to county finals, these are the days you play hurling for, but it’s also important to give back to your local community and help others out as much as you can.”
The 5 Peaks 1 Week challenge has to be completed by a team and within one week. Amongst those who have committed to the campaign already are several of AIB’s Sports and Social Clubs and Cork GAA All-Star Amy O’Connor.
For example, to “climb” 1,040 metre high Carrauntoohil, participants will have to walk twelve kilometres and climb the 300 flights of stairs. Cope Foundation has worked with Cork-based Mountaineering and Climbing Guide, John Healy to develop the fundraising challenge, www.simplymountains.com.
Virtual fundraiser
Cope Foundation supports over 2,800 children and adults with intellectual disabilities and/or autism in over 70 different locations across Cork city and county.
Sean Abbott, Chief Executive of Cope Foundation who is looking forward to participants coming on board for the virtual event, said: “Unfortunately, we are experiencing a significant loss of fundraising income as a result of the Covid-19 crisis. Our calendar of fundraising events and campaigns has been curtailed, and we find ourselves in a situation where we have to think on our feet and try new ways of fundraising.
“This ‘virtual challenge’ is fun for people, and it’s a novel way to stay active and healthy with friends, family or colleagues while apart and staying close to home. 5 Peaks 1 Week is a great way to keep fit while ensuring that you have ready access to a comfortable chair and the comforts of home after you climb a virtual mountain for Cope!”
Cope Foundation is asking people to go the (social) distance but to make those restricted journeys really count.
The initiative is running all summer and for more information on how to take part, visit https://www.cope-foundation.ie
