Aiming high to help the homeless

RTÉ style guru Caroline Morahan yesterday laced up her hiking boots to launch the Focus Ireland Four Peaks mountain challenge.

The charity for the homeless hopes to raise €400,000 as supporters scale the highest summits in Connacht, Leinster, Ulster and Munster.

The money will fund the organisation’s support services and also provide housing for people at risk of becoming homeless.

The mountains being scaled in June are Mweelrea in Co Mayo, Lugnaquilla in Co Wicklow, Carrauntoohil in Co Kerry and Co Down’s Slieve Donard.

The RTÉ presenter helped launch the event at the top of the Smithfield Viewing Tower in Dublin.

The Off The Rails anchor said: “It’s a great event I hope more teams will take up this exciting challenge this year.”

Focus Ireland fundraising director Mark Mellett said the charity was committed to providing 800 homes by 2010 and continuing to develop and provide a range of vital support services to help ensure everyone has a right to a place called home.

Mr Mellet added: “Events such as the Four Peaks Challenge are vital to help us to continue to provide essential services and housing.”

People can log on to www.focusireland.ie and enter a team made up from friends or work colleagues.

Each team has to then raise a minimum of €4,500 sponsorship before taking part in the event.

“The event is a fantastic challenge for people of all different abilities and levels of fitness as teams can take the peaks at their own pace and really enjoy the event while also raising money to support Focus Ireland’s work,” added Mr Mellett.

Anyone can enter a team — companies, clubs, and friends. Teams should be a minimum of three and a maximum of five climbers, plus at least two auxiliary team members to share the driving and provide support for the climbers.