It’s on! Team Barretstown calls on hikers to join them for their fundraising hike on September 26th
Barretstown, the children’s charity that offers free, specially designed camps and programmes for children and their families living with a serious illness is calling on the public to take part in the seventh annual Barretstown Dublin Mountains Challenge - a limited edition 30-kilometre hike along the beautiful Dublin Mountains Way, from Sean Walshe Park in Tallaght to the GAP Centre in Glencullen - which runs on Sunday, 26th September for 200 participants only.
The hike, which will be the first in person event, has been re-designed to make it as safe and fun as possible, with all elements of the event outdoors, including the morning sign-in process.
The 2021 Barretstown Dublin Mountains Challenge needs to make up vital funds for the charity to help more children living with serious illnesses to experience the life-changing programmes at Barretstown. Individuals and teams alike are encouraged to take part in the walk, achieving their own personal goals while also raising much needed funds for Barretstown.
Speaking about the fundraiser, Dee Ahearn, Chief Executive at Barretstown, said: “The COVID-19 crisis has meant children living with a serious illness like those who come to Barretstown, who are immune-compromised, have been more isolated than ever before. They need Barretstown’s therapeutic programmes to help them rebuild their childhood which has been taken away as a result of illness. On June 4th, 2021, we reopened our gates and began welcoming families back to experience the magic of Barretstown once again, with families joining us each and every weekend to enjoy some fun activities, games and most importantly, have some serious fun.
By taking on the Dublin Mountains Challenge this year, you'll be helping raise vital funds to allow us to continue this important work, welcoming more and more families who need us back to camp. You can't imagine the impact your help will have on a family that needs it. Due to the shortfall in fundraising events over the last 12 months, as well as the reduced capacity for the event this year, we are asking all participants to fundraise as much as they can.”
Mark Aherne, General Manager at Suntory Beverage & Food Ireland, said: “We are proud to be part of this wonderful event once again. At Suntory, we are committed to encouraging our customers and our colleagues to enjoy active lives and our partnership with the Barretstown Dublin Mountains Challenge helps us to deliver this. We want to encourage everyone across Ireland to enjoy the benefits of exercise, while raising money for Barretstown and ultimately, having a great day out!”
As well as the one-day event on the 26th September, throughout the month of September, hikers can also opt to take on the Self-Guided Dublin Mountains Challenge, using the Barretstown phone app game to guide them. The app gives participants the option of a safe, fun, and interactive way to experience the beautiful Dublin Mountains Way, choosing a time that suits to take on the climb. To participate in the self-guided challenge, hikers register online, start your fundraising and your training, and set a date that suits you to take on the challenge, open the app at the starting line and start hiking from Sean Walsh Park, covering the 30km hike to Glencullen.
For more information or to register for the event, visit https://www.barretstown.org/events/dublin-mountains-challenge-2021/ or contact fundraising@barretstown.org.