55km from the Curragh: Defence Forces students take on challenge for two causes

Students of the Physical Training Instructor (PTI) Course in the Irish Defence Forces are set to take on a challenging 55km march, ‘For Hearts and Minds’ from the Curragh Camp, Kildare to two Dublin hospitals in aid of two causes close to their hearts.

The group will make the challenging journey on Thursday, October 29, from the Curragh Camp to Beaumont and the Mater hospitals to raise funds for serving Defence Forces member Lee Reeves, who suffered a serious head injury during a professional boxing bout on August 1.

Lee Reeves has received care for his injuries at both Beaumont and Mater hospitals following the incident, with the students hoping their fundraising efforts can provide support for him and his loved ones.

The group will also raise money for the Irish Heart Foundation in memory of one of their fellow students late father.

The students father received care at the Mater Hospital while living with multiple heart conditions before sadly passing away from cardiac arrest.

The PTI students said they wanted to put the values of resilience, teamwork and supporting others into action through the 55km challenge.

Funds raised through the GoFundMe will be split between the two causes, with 60% going towards Lee Reeves fundraiser and 40% going to the Irish Heart Foundation.

The fundraiser has currently raised €1,760 of its €5,000 target from 32 GoFundMe donations.

The students are appealing to members of the public to support the challenge, with donations of any size helping them reach their target.

The group said, “As PTI students, we believe in resilience, teamwork and supporting others through difficult times. We hope to put these values into action through this 55km challenge.”

They added that any donation, “no matter how big or small”, would mean a great deal to the group and help make a difference to the two causes.

To donate or learn more about the fundraiser, click the link here.