Letterkenny man John Wilkie has hit a new summit in his fundraising challenge for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.
The well-known karate sensei surpassed €10,000 after a successful coffee morning in the Station House Hotel yesterday.
The event was well attended by dog lovers and supporters alike, along with four beautiful canines.
Almost €900 was raised on the day.
John Wilkie and Sybil
L-R: Pat McCarthy, Robert Holmes, Fiona Doherty, Geradline Emsley, John Wilkie and puppy-in-training Gino at the coffee morning for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind
Mary Crossin and Bramble at the coffee morning for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind
The event was a great boost for John Wilkie, who will very soon be stepping up to one of the world’s most gruelling climbs – Mt Kilimanjaro.
He flies out to Tanzania in June, where he’ll be joined by mountaineer Jason Black and a group of intrepid climbers for the 5,895m expedition up Africa’s tallest mountain.
John wanted to mark his 60th year by celebrating his health and supporting an important cause.
In 2015, Johns’s health took a turn for the worse. He was diagnosed with a neurological disorder called Guillan Barre Syndrome (GBS), where the body’s immune system causes damage to the nerves. He was left paralysed and ended up in ICU for 24 hours. However, John always stayed positive. He had a double hip replacement three years ago but after a remarkable recovery, he is reaching new heights in his training for his once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
All money raised is going towards the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and their work changing lives for people who are blind or visually impaired and families of children with autism. The average cost of training a dog is in the region of €53,000. It costs over €4 million per year to run the organisation, with 85% of income coming through voluntary donations and fundraising.
Stay tuned to John’s Facebook for updates on his journey to Kilimanjaro and if you would like to donate, click here: https://kilimanjaro-2023.raisely.com/
Nataliia Ivanova, Viktoriya Lemeshchuk, retired guide dog Sybil and John Wilkie at the coffee morning for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind
Gino takes a rest at the coffee morning for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind
Jennifer Doherty and her retired guide dog Sybil at the coffee morning for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind
L-R: Laura O Connell, Susan Harkin, Charlie Stewart, Mary B Gallagher, Annie Gallagher and puppy-in-training Heather at the coffee morning for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind
L-R: Annie Gallagher, Mary Crossin, Michelle Preston, Jennifer Doherty, John Wilkie and Geraldine Emsley. In front are Heather, Bramble, Sybil and Gino at the coffee morning for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind
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