Survivalists set to take on the Beara Grills challenge

He has parachuted into some of the most inhospitable places on Earth, eaten bugs, snakes, and piranha, and slept in the stinking carcass of a dead camel.

Now adventurer and survivalist Bear Grylls, the star of the Born Survivor TV show, is facing tough competition.

A group of 30 hardy men are set to be dropped into the wilds of West Cork for their very own 48-hour Beara Grills survival challenge.

Each participant will be equipped with a tiny ration pack of food and water, and a small tent for shelter.

They will have to live off the land, and their wits, in the rugged countryside between Allihies and Glengarriff from June 22 to 24.

They hope to raise €20,000 for the Cork Cancer Research Centre and the Irish Sudden Infant Death Association.

The event is being organised by the Irish Mountain Walk Team, with help from experienced mountaineers and orienteers, as well as members of the Irish Defence Forces.

Organiser Paul Duggan from Blackrock said the two charities are very close to their hearts.

“My inspiration for this was my dad, Pat Duggan, who worked with Cork City Council and who died recently,” he said.

“We will go to the extreme to fundraise as much as possible and hope everyone will rally behind us.”

Orla Dolan, CCRC’s fundraising director, said the money raised would help scientists continue their research into new treatments for poor prognosis cancers.

Ger O’Brien of ISIDA said the funds will mean the group can provide support to families who have been bereaved by the sudden and often unexplained death of an infant or young child.

* Donate at http://exa.mn/duggan