After successfully completing the Galtee Mountains Challenge in June, we decided that our next expedition will be also for a good cause connected with mountains. That's why me and my 12-year-old daughter, Kaya decided to fundraise for Mountain Rescue Ireland.

100% funds collected is going to Mountain Rescue Ireland.

THIS IS SELF FUNDED EXPEDITION!

From 26th of July, we will be doing a 500-km through-hike of Poland Main Beskid Trail, one of the country longest mountain trails.

During all 21 days expedition we will be asking you to donate to Mountain Rescue Ireland (MRI). They are made up of 11 volunteer mountain rescue teams that respond to emergencies in mountainous and remote areas across Ireland. Their volunteers are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, helping injured walkers, climbers and missing persons, often in difficult weather and challenging terrain.

Over 21 days, we will cover approximately 519 kilometres, carrying everything we need on our backs and crossing the mountains of southern Poland from west to east. The trail includes almost 22,000 metres of total ascent, more than twice the height of Mount

Everest from sea level, and we estimate that Kaya will take more than one million steps during this journey.

This challenge is about more than reaching the finish line. Kaya recently became the youngest person ever to attempt the full Galtee Mountains Challenge and successfully completed the shorter route. During the challenge, we experienced severe weather and demanding mountain conditions. It reminded us that no matter how well prepared you are, the mountains deserve respect and conditions can change quickly. Proper planning, suitable equipment and good decision-making are essential, while Mountain Rescue Ireland volunteers provide a vital safety net when people find themselves in difficulty.

Kaya had a simple idea:

"If every step could help Mountain Rescue Ireland, it would make a big difference."

She is expected to take more than one million steps during this challenge. While raising €1 for every step would be an incredible dream, we know that every donation, large or small, can make a real difference.

Nearly 3,000,000 people enjoy hiking and outdoor activities in Ireland every year, yet when help is needed in the mountains, it is often volunteer rescuers who leave their families, jobs and daily lives behind to answer that call. By supporting this fundraiser, you will be helping Mountain Rescue Ireland continue its vital work and support the volunteers who help keep people safe in Ireland mountains.

Thank you for supporting our journey and helping us turn over one million steps into something meaningful.