Ger Duffy hoping to scale his biggest challenge of all
CASTLEBAR'S Ger Duffy will attempt to scale a mountain in the Himalayas next month in aid of two charities he holds close to his heart.
On September 21, he will travel to Nepal in South Asia where he will trek to Mount Everest Base Camp (17,598ft) and from there attempt to summit the 20,305ft Island Peak.
His goal is to raise a euro for every foot he climbs, €20,305 in total. All of the money raised will be split between two charities: the Irish Cancer Society and Mayo Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
The expedition will take approximately 23 days to complete and he will face challenges that he have never before experienced such as high altitude, six to 14 hour climbing days, crossing deep crevasses and glaciers and climbing a huge headwall with crampons and ice picks, all the while overcoming his fear of heights!
"I have been obsessed with Mount Everest since I was a teenager," explains Ger, who works as a videographer and photographer.
"I would spend hours reading books, watching documentaries and climbers personal video diaries. Although Mount Everest itself is currently both financially and physically out of the question, I've always said I would trek to Mount Everest Base Camp, which in itself is an accomplishment.
"After committing to the trip, I wanted to take it one step further and attempt to summit a 20,000ft peak and Island Peak presented the best option. I then thought, why not use this expedition to try and bring awareness and funds to two brilliant charities?
"For the next few months I intend on getting myself into the shape of my life, to give myself the best chance to summit this mountain and raise these much needed funds for my two charities."
On why he chose the Irish Cancer Society and Mayo SPCA as his chosen charities, Ger added: The rish Cancer Society does amazing work, and there isn't one of us who hasn't been impacted by cancer in some way.
"For me, my mother was diagnosed with cancer in mid-2021. Fortunately she has since been given the all clear after surgery. But I realised how quickly cancer can cause the world to turn upside down for an individual, and their loved ones, and also the support systems that are needed in those tough times.
"The Irish Cancer Society aims to save and improve the lives of people affected by cancer in Ireland. From night nursing, to volunteer drivers, counselling sessions and so much more; the work and support Irish Cancer Society gives to those who need it is next to none, and any money raised would just be so appreciated.
He added: "The work the Mayo Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals carry out was brought to my attention by my girlfriend, Joanne, who volunteers her time helping out at the Mayo SPCA.
"It is a volunteer run charity that rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes animals in need from all over Co. Mayo. After visiting and helping out at the centre, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible and hard work that all the volunteers put in. They take in abandoned animals, some who are knocking on death's door, but rehabilitate them into healthy loving animals who are ready for their forever home.
"With 80+ animals currently being looked after here,they need the money now more than ever - as you can imagine it is extremely expensive to look after and maintain a clean, healthy living space for those animals alongside the veterinary costs.
You can learn more about the charities at www.cancer.ie and www.mayospca.ie. You can donate to Ger's campaign at www.idonate.ie/GersEverestExpedition.