COPE FOUNDATION LAUNCHES 5 PEAKS 1 WEEK CHALLENGE

Cork disabilities organisation invites people to scale mountains – without travelling too far from their own home.

Cope Foundation – the charity which supports 2,500 people with disabilities in County Cork – has launched a new fundraising drive that will see participants scale mountain peaks without having to break public health restrictions (and have close proximity to an armchair to recover!).

The 5 Peaks 1 Week challenge will see teams of people scaling some of the country’s tallest mountains by simply walking close to their home, and making good use of their stairs. The five mountains being targeted are the highest in Munster. They include Carrauntoohil in Co. Kerry, Galtymore in Co. Limerick and Co. Tipperary, Knockmealdown in Co. Waterford, Moylussa in Co. Clare, and Knockboy in Co. Cork. 

For example, to “climb” 1040 metre high Carrauntoohil, participants will have to walk twelve kilometres and climb the 300 flights of stairs. Cope Foundation has worked with Cork-based Mountaineering and Climbing Guide, John Healy (www.simplymountains.com) to develop the fundraising challenge.

The 5 Peaks 1 Week challenge has to be completed by a team and within one week, starting any time in June. Amongst those who have committed to the campaign already are several AIB’s Sports and Social Clubs from Cork city and county.

Sean Abbott, Chief Executive of Cope Foundation, says “Unfortunately, we are experiencing a significant loss of fundraising income as a result of the Covid-19 crisis. Our calendar of fundraising events and campaigns has been curtailed, and we find ourselves in a situation where we have to think on our feet and try new ways of fundraising. This ‘virtual challenge’ is fun for people, and it’s a novel way to stay active and healthy with friends, family or colleagues while apart and staying at home. This challenge is a fun way to keep fit while ensuring that you have ready access to a comfortable chair and the comforts of home after you climb a virtual mountain for Cope!”

John Healy of SimplyMountains.com says; “I’m delighted to be able to support the 5 Peaks 1 Week challenge for Cope Foundation. Munster is a paradise for hill walking, and this is a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on some of the mountains that surround us. Participants might not be physically getting on to the mountains, but they will have a great sense of achievement knowing they’ve ‘virtually’ scaled the five highest peaks in Munster. We’ve been in our homes for so long, and it’s never been more important to get out and get active safely together and experience all the beauty that outdoors has to offer. Take your mind and body on an adventure for this great Cork Cause.”

Cope Foundation is asking people to go the (social) distance and keep within the 20km restriction of their home (pending the easing of restrictions on 8th June) but to make those restricted journeys really count.

For more information on how to take part, please visit https://www.cope-foundation.ie.

Cope Foundation supports over 2,500 children and adults with intellectual disabilities and/or autism in over 70 different locations across Cork city and county.