A group representing the Irish accident repair industry and their motor trade partners has completed the gruelling Climb4Cancer four peaks challenge to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society. Climbing the highest mountains in each of Ireland’s four provinces over three days, the Climb4Cancer organisers describe the event as an outstanding success on every level.

Frank Byrnes, of Frank Byrnes Autobody in Galway, one of the event organisers, commented, “The commitment and effort put in by all the walkers was inspirational. We asked all those taking part to raise a minimum of €1,000, but most of the walkers raised many times that amount. This event touched a cord with so many people and the support we received has been amazing. We’re nearing €50,000 and the money is still coming in!”

Climb4Cancer co-organiser Peter Daly the Managing Director of Akzo Nobel Car Refinishes added, “In unseasonal and what can only be described as atrocious conditions walkers completed their four peaks challenge in fine style. It was smiles all-round when friends and family met the 30 strong Climb4Cancer team as they arrived back in Fenton’s bar, at the foot of Lugnaquilla in Wicklow’s Glen of Imaal, after a weekend of great achievement.”

The event began on Friday, in torrential rain, climbing Carrauntoohil in County Kerry by way of the aptly named ‘Devils Ladder’. The group was guided by Kerryclimbing’s experienced team, ensuring all walkers completed the challenge safe and sound. Conditions were so bad at the top that there was only time to quickly place the very moving daffodil and ribbon tributes. 
The next day saw a 6am start to tackle Connaught’s highest peak Mweelrea and then back on the bus for the six hour journey to Newcastle County Down, for the penultimate climb of Slieve Donard on the Sunday morning. This was tackled in driving wind and rain.

On route to the final climb in Wicklow the bus broke down twice, however, the resourceful motor trade group was able to effect running repairs with some borrowed tools so that they could arrive in time to complete the challenge. 

Peter says commented, “Arriving at the top of Lugnaquilla was an emotional end to an unforgettable weekend with an amazing group of people.  This is a serious challenge at any time, but who could have thought that we would have had such terrible weather in May. This is an extraordinary team achievement with everyone playing their part. It makes me very proud to be part of the Irish motor trade and the accident repair industry in particular.”

The Climb4Cancer participants would like to thank all those who supported them with words of encouragement and donations. Frank concluded, “Perhaps the words of Gerry Duffy, a long distance endurance athlete and motivational speaker, who addressed walkers at the midway point of their challenge says it all,  - Have no doubt what you have done will save lives.”