There was great interest in last Saturday’s Croagh Patrick climb by a group of volunteers from the Mullingar area, who embarked on the adventure in memory of the late Karen Jackson.
A transplant recipient, Karen passed away last February and, coincidentally, Saturday was exactly five months since her untimely death. Over 80 volunteers gathered at the foot of Croagh Patrick last Saturday, where Karen’s sister, Anita, paid an emotional tribute.
“Karen was our inspiration,” she told the gathering.
“She was our hero and always had a positive outlook on life, no matter what health problems she was faced with. We love her and miss her greatly, but know she will be looking down on us today,” she said.
The Jackson family gave their support to the Westmeath branch of the Irish Kidney Association, who were running the Croagh Patrick Climb for the third year in a row. Padraic Jackson, Karen’s brother, said he was overwhelmed with the level of support the family received.
“It was just tremendous; we had a group of people who drove to Westport early last Saturday and had the climb completed before the main group set off because they had to be back in Mullingar early in the evening. That was the kind of interest people showed,” he said.
“It was a great day and we were blessed with the weather. Karen was certainly looking down on us. We are delighted with how successful it was. There are still a lot of sponsorship cards coming in, but it looks like thousands will be raised,” he added.
GREAT SUCCESS
Eddie Flood, Chairman of the Westmeath Branch of the IKA, thanked everyone who supported last Saturday’s hugely successful event and all the volunteers who travelled to Westport.
“It was our most successful climb yet and thousands of euro will be raised for Donor House in Beaumont, Dublin, which provides a vital service to transplant patients and their families,” he said.
“I want to thank the Jackson family who made the day such a great success. It was very poignant with Karen having passed just five months earlier. I also want to thank all our sponsors and John Healy coaches for taking the group to Westport. Shane Keogh and his father, Vinny, at The Helm Restaurant, gave us a great deal on a wonderful meal and we’re extremely grateful to them,” he added.
Already people have been in touch with Eddie, enquiring about next year’s climb, such was the success and popularity of the event.
“There was great enthusiasm and cooperation from everyone involved and we’re very grateful for that. I also want to send best wishes to Martina Hynes, Karen’s sister, who was injured on her way back down and had to go to Castlebar Hospital. I want to remember all members who are sick at present and couldn’t make the climb last Saturday, including Matty Bardon. He and his wife, Patricia, have been outstanding workers with us for many years,” he added.
