A group of adventurous friends have raised €3,676 for Donegal’s No Barriers Foundation.
Over 20 volunteers braved the heights of Muckish mountain on 2nd August in support of No Barriers – a non-profit organisation that breaks down barriers to exercise and physical activity in the North West.
Friends from Glenties, Donegal Town and across the county joined the socially-distanced sponsored climb. Many members of the group were tackling Muckish for the first time and, with experienced guides, they proved that age is no barrier to conquering goals.
Volunteers raised €3,676 for The No Barriers Foundation by taking part in a socially-distanced climb of Muckish mountain on 2nd August 2020.
Organisers of the climb – Rose and John McSwiggan, Annette Mc Gettigan, Teresa Elliott and Marion O’Donnell – visited the No Barriers Centre in Letterkenny last week to present a cheque to No Barriers Chairman Johnny Loughrey and the team.
Rose McSwiggan said: “We are very proud to donate this cheque to No Barriers. It was such fun to raise the money and we were amazed by the generosity of everyone taking part and everyone who sponsored us.”
“It was an amazing achievement for everyone,” commented Marion O’Donnell, who led the hike alongside experienced hill walkers Diana Parker, Terry Parker and Christine Price. “It’s amazing what one can do when you put your mind to it.”
€3,676 is raised for The No Barriers Foundation following a sponsored climb of Muckish Mountain. Pictured L-R: Teresa Elliott, Annette Mc Gettigan, Rose McSwiggan, No Barriers Foundation Chairman Johnny Loughrey and Marion O’Donnell.
€3,676 is raised for The No Barriers Foundation following a sponsored climb of Muckish Mountain. Pictured Front L-R: John McSwiggan, No Barriers Exercise Therapist David Hone, No Barriers Lead Physiotherapist Stephen Mc Nally.
Back Row L-R: Teresa Elliott, Annette Mc Gettigan, Rose McSwiggan, No Barriers Foundation Chairman Johnny Loughrey and Marion O’Donnell.
The challenge also reflects the can-do ethos of No Barriers. Established in 2016, the Donegal-based foundation supports anyone with stroke, spinal injury, MS or any neurological disorder to help them get fitter and stronger, improving both their physical and mental health.
The No Barriers inclusive centre at Mountain Top Letterkenny offers both one to one and group exercise sessions, physiotherapy and access to specialist equipment such as an exoskeleton. The revolutionary exoskeleton is an unparalleled piece of technology which helps people with disabilities or limited mobility to stand up and walk. There are just six exoskeletons in Ireland.
No Barriers Lead Physiotherapist Stephen Mc Nally and Exercise Therapist David Hone give a demonstration of the exoskeleton to some of the organisers of the Muckish challenge fundraiser.
Chairman Johnny Loughrey said: “We are hugely grateful to Rose and all the group for organising this fundraiser. The money will help us to continue offering neuro-rehab support to those who need it in Donegal.
“We are reliant on fundraising and donations to continue offering our services and making a difference for people in the North West. Our fundraising efforts have been impacted greatly in the current climate and we appreciate community support now more than ever.
“We are continually welcoming new service users at the No Barriers Centre. If you or a family member has had a stroke, spinal injury, MS or any neurological disorder, get in touch and we will help in any way we can.”
Find out more on nobarriers.ie or email: hello@nobarriers.ie
See the foundation’s daily activities on No Barriers Foundation Facebook page or follow @thenobarriersfoundation on Instagram.
Tags: