On March 22nd, Dave O'Connell, Shaun O'Connor, and David Kitteringham will do a bit of a hilly walk (!!) to Everest Base Camp in support of two great causes.

The first cause is the Dr. Ashleigh Byrne-O'Brien memorial fund. In August of last year, Ashleigh sadly passed away at the young age of thirty eight. Ashleigh worked in the College of Medicine and Health at UCC as a successful Research and Innovation Coordinator. Known for her warmth and kindness, Ashleigh touched the lives of everyone around her and her memory will be cherished by her numerous friends and colleagues.

UCC has set up a fund in memory of Ashleigh. All funds donated here will be passed to the UCC fund and directed to a cause close to Ashleigh’s heart, chosen by her husband Richard.

The second cause is for the Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH). For most families, having a baby is a time of immense joy, a time to celebrate the beginning of life, but for a small number, having a baby is a traumatic time. When giving birth is associated with serious complications for example when babies are born very early, with life limiting medical conditions or when the mother is seriously ill, a different kind of care is needed. This is when clinical and technical care needs to be surpassed by compassionate, holistic and supportive care. All funds raised here will be provided to support these compassionate and supportive care services.

100% of funds raised will be provided to the two charitable funds, split 50/50.

Thank to you everyone who has provided a donation, no matter how small or large.

Dave, Shaun, and David.