Western People, 24th March 2010
AN IMPRESSIVE 195 climbers completed the annual seven-day Croagh Patrick Challenge in aid of autism this year, while several hundred others climbed the mountain during the week-long event.
Organised by Johnny Oosten and Pat Kearns, 2010 marks the fourth annual challenge.
In July 2006, Pat’s son Jordan was diagnosed with autism and each year since then, the event has been run to raise funds for autistic children in Mayo. Over the last three years, the challenge has raised €318,000 for the worthy cause and the organisers are hopeful that in excess of €150,000 will be collected this year.
Some of the money raised goes towards Mayo’s Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) school for children with autism, in Kiltimagh, while funding is also donated to Western Care who look after 160 children with autism in Mayo alone.
According to Johnny Oosten, many climbers get involved to support these children. “With all the cutbacks in recent times we try to do our best to help as many children as possible and their parents,” he said.
The high profile event has certainly gained momentum over the last four years. And, this year, the total number of climbs over the seven days was 2,314. The event began in 2007 with six climbers completing the challenge – Johnny Oosten and his son John, Danny Cassidy, Peter Kawasaki, Laura Gallagher and Jay Daly.
Two of the climbers who completed the seven-day challenge this year were Linda Welby and Danny Price. A talented musician, Linda has now released a song, Through You I Will Find My Way, to raise funds for the group.
Speaking after the final climb of the challenge on St Patrick’s Day, Johnny was brimming with delight.
“It just keeps getting bigger and bigger each year. But without the support of all who give their time, there is no way it would be possible. We want to say a big thank you to those who run the base camp at the bottom of Croagh Patrick and take care of the climbers. As well, a big thanks goes to our main sponsors – SuperValu in Castlebar; Johnson, Mooney and O’Brien; PortWest, Westport; Wear It Out, Castlebar; Ger McHale Caravans, Belcarra; the Order of Malta; Mayo Mountain Rescue; the Civil Defence; Murrisk Community Centre, and everyone else who has come on board.”
“On behalf of myself and Pat Kearns, I want to thank all who supported this challenge once again, especially to all of our volunteers – your support makes a massive difference.”
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