Selfless climbers scale heights for charity

EARLY today a team of Irish climbers were beginning their ascent of Scotland’s Ben Nevis.

They aim to scale the five highest Irish and British mountains inside 24 hours and raise 70,000 for the Operation Rudolph 2002 charity.

Rain delayed their planned start until 2.15am, but the 12 members were confident of returning from the 4,409 ft summit by breakfast time before their helicopter dash to Skeffel Pike in England. “I’ve never done anything like this before,” said Pat O’Sullivan, marketing manager of Wrangler Jeans, sponsor of the Five Peaks’ Challenge, as the team assembled in the shadow of Ben Nevis in Fort William last night.

“It’s been raining now for four hours and climbing at night will make it that more difficult.”

Four brothers named Sweetman, TV3’s Lorraine Keane and the only Air Corps female pilot, Lt Anne Brogan, signed up for the challenge.

All participants have been engaged in serious training since May. Three of the team who smoked have now quit.

“It was a chance to do something extraordinary as a family for the first time and in the process raise lots of money for charity,” said Paul Sweetman, 29, who persuaded siblings Lorcan, 34, Eamonn, 32 and Patrick, 27 to take part. Said Lorcan: “I’ve been doing some charity events over the last five years and I’d been looking for something to focus on.”

After Snowdon in Wales, the team will tackle Slieve Donard in Northern Ireland and finally - in the darkness - Carrantouhill in Kerry.

The Guinness World Record is held by a group of five, all from Britain’s Lakeland District, and stands at 19 hours 52 minutes.

“Our first goal is to do all five climbs inside 24 hours, but obviously we’d like to set a new record if it’s possible. We’ll have a go at it if we’re in good shape after Slieve Donard,” said Pat O’Sullivan.

Operation Rudolf’s nominated charities which will benefit from the Wrangler Five Peaks’ Challenge are the Chernobyl Children’s Project, the Alzheimer Society of Ireland and the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games.

People who wish to make a donation can call freefone 1800 70 30 50.