Dunmore East RNLI's courageous volunteer crew members in County Waterford will take on the daunting challenge of climbing a vertical mile in a single day, on Sunday, 7 May, as part of the charity's Mayday Mile fundraising challenge.
The dedicated crew will test their strength and stamina by summiting the highest peaks in both the Comeragh and Knockmealdown mountains, ascending a vertical mile over the course of the day. To make the challenge even more gruelling, the team will be wearing their full lifeboat kit. The aim is to raise vital funds and awareness for the RNLI, the charity dedicated to saving lives at sea.
The crew will include Hugh O'Sullivan, Peter Grogan, Oscar Stafford, Adam Sweeney and Luka Sweeney, all volunteers on the all-weather lifeboat in Dunmore East.
Money raised through the Mayday Mile could help RNLI lifesavers have everything they need to keep families safe this summer. Warmer weather draws more people to the water, and RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews will drop whatever they’re doing when a call for help comes in.
'Our team is passionate about the lifesaving work of the RNLI, and we wanted to take on a challenge that would not only raise funds for the charity but also highlight the dedication and bravery of our volunteers,' said Adam Sweeney, a crew member on the Dunmore East RNLI Lifeboat. 'As someone who will be participating in the Mayday Mile, I am excited and eager to push my limits in support of the RNLI's vital work. This challenge serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination our crews embody when faced with difficult conditions at sea.'
'Summer can be our busiest time of year, with many people at risk of getting into danger by the water. Ordinary people just enjoying days out with family or friends. Mayday is our own call for help, as we rely on the generosity of the public to take part in events like the Mayday Mile and raise the funds that allow us to be there when we’re needed most. But we need to be ready. Training, kit, stations, fuel, these are just some of the things we need to save lives, and that your fundraising can help provide.’
People can help support Dunmore East RNLI's efforts by making a donation or getting involved through the Mayday Mile fundraising page.