Roscommon man Ollie Towey has begun his trek to the South Base Camp of Mount Everest in a bid to raise funds and awareness for “A Miracle for Doireann”.
A Miracle for Doireann was launched last after the Martin family from Frenchpark received the news in November 2015 that their five year old Doireann had been diagnosed with DIPG. DIPG is an inoperable brain tumour with no survival rate. Radiation is the only treatment available in Ireland and last December Doireann undertook a course of radiation which shrunk the tumour and alleviated her symptoms. Six months ago Doireann, her father Ivan and mother Tracy flew to Germany to start Doireann’s first round of Immunotherapy. Each round of Immunotherapy costs approximately €20,000 and so far €50,000 has been raised through various activities.
A native of Brusna, near Ballaghaderreen, Ollie, who is friends with Doireann’s Dad decided to take up the challenge of helping the family reach their target of €65,000. He arrived in Katmandu on Saturday and began the trek this morning. His challenge will take approximately 14 days and will see him trek for hours every day. The assent will be over 9,200 feet and is an immeasurable test of endurance.
You can find our more about A Miracle for Doireann and donate to the cause here.