Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland (CFAI) continues its exciting fundraising challenge, Ireland to Everest, 32 Steps for Cystic Fibrosis (CF), with the South East top of Slieve Beagh in Knockatallon, Co. Monaghan being the next climb.  The challenge will see a team of climbers scale the highest points in each of the 32 counties (never before undertaken for charity), and some other parts of the world, before tackling Everest.

Undertaking this massive task is Cian O’Brolchain (30, from Drumcondra) and Lorna Murphy (34, from Co. Kildare), two intrepid climbers who, with the help of experienced Everest climber Ian Taylor, hope to climb in excess of 175,000ft throughout the duration.  Members of the public will be encouraged join the team at the various locations throughout Ireland and can participate in the easier climbs. 

The aim of this fundraising drive is to establish a National Lung Transplant Support Fund for Ireland.  Transplants are a crucial part of the range of recognised interventions required to manage CF and to patients it can be a lifesaving operation.  However there are too few lung transplants being undertaken on CF and non-CF patients in Ireland.  This support fund will be set up to encourage more people to donate lungs for transplantation and will also provide additional surgical resources for lung transplantation procedures in Ireland.

As well as conquering the 32 highest points in each of the 32 counties in Ireland,  the team will also climb Mt Blanc in France (the highest mountain in western Europe); Denali in Alaska (the highest mountain in North America); Cho Oyu in Tibet (the sixth highest mountain in the world); Aconcagua in Argentina (the highest mountain in the world outside Asia); Kilimanjaro in Tanzania (the highest free standing mountain in the world) and lastly the highest mountain in the world, Mt Everest in Nepal.

Lorna says: "We came up with the initiative about three months ago to climb the 32 highest points in Ireland for each county and thought that by doing the 32 counties, we would be able to get all the communities out. If people don't want to do all 32, they can come along and do one even.  After the 32 counties are finished, we're going to do the highest points on the five continents as well and then our finale will be Everest in May 2012.

"Ireland has the highest incidence of cystic fibrosis in the world which is almost four times the average rate in other EU countries and the United States. Lung transplantation is an absolutely vital component in the treatment and management of many of the people affected by this disease,” she adds.

The challenge begins at 12midday, Sunday 6 February at Slieve Beagh (Barratitoppy).  A reasonable level of fitness is required for the 373m climb and members of the public are encouraged to come along and join the team. 

There will be opportunities to donate to the CFAI on the day.  For full location details see www.IrelandtoEverest.com.