Kildare man climbs Kilimanjaro for son and Epilepsy Ireland

Kildare man Mark McGuire has returned from an incredible challenge climbing Kilimanjaro in Africa in support his son Ciarán and the Epilepsy Ireland organisation.

Mark said he was part of a group that successfully reached the summit of the world’s tallest free-standing mountain at nearly 20,000 feet.

The dad recalled that there were bouts of altitude sickness on the way up but that reaching the summit it was a very fulfilling and emotional experience for everybody.

Mark undertook the feat as a tribute to his son Ciarán who has epilepsy and to help Epilepsy Ireland to continue to build awareness and support structures for families affected by epilepsy, as well as for the wider community.

Mark also said he’s very grateful to the local guides and porters who helped the expedition team to reach the top.

He added: “Without them, none of us would have made it to the top.

“If the summit success rate is 65%, I can assure you that barely 1% would make it up without them.”

The Tanzanian people were amazing and sang to us the whole way up and motivated us every step of the way.

“They're without doubt the unsung heroes of the mountain."

DONATE

If you'd like to support Mark's incredible efforts for Epilepsy Ireland in Ciaráns name, you can do so by visiting his iDonate page at https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/Kili4Ciaran

Mark said he is footing the €4,700 bill for the climb so all donations will go to directly to the charity.

Over €8,000 has already been raised by hundreds of generous donors across Kildare and elsewhere.