About 4 months ago, I had an idea for a physical challenge that would test me beyond the physical. One that would also challenge me on a mental and emotional level. The idea was simple – the year is 2024 so why not attempt to do 20 hours of exercise over a 24 hour period! At 10am on Dec 20, together with some friends, we will begin by doing 8 x 1 hour circuits in the gym with a 15 minute break each hour in between circuits. Our 8 circuits are 1 hour on each of the following – rowing machine, boxing bag, elliptical, ski erg, assault bike, circuits, stairmaster and yoga. Following this initial 10 hour block, we will cycle for 1 hour to get to the mountains and then begin an 11 hour hike through the Wicklow and Dublin mountains, finishing in Marley Park the following morning at 10am.
When I got this idea, the initial attraction was the challenge of doing this and also what the journey of trying to prepare for this would entail. Finding a way to integrate my preparation with family life and business commitments. With 3 very young children, I knew this would be big challenge. The more this idea took hold, the more I felt that I wanted to use this as a tool to raise money for a charity. I didn’t have an immediate draw to any particular cause but all changed in October when I was in London for work and saw the heartbreaking story of Hind Rajab on TV. This 2 minute video explains the circumstances surrounding Hind’s death:
Hind’s story is one of over 17,400 “Fallen Angels” who have lost their lives in Gaza. As a dad, a man and a human being – this is not right. Killing over 17,400 children has no justification. My heart was both broken and stolen on hearing the haunting voice of Hind’s cry for help. If I was searching for a meaningful purpose to fuel this challenge, I had well and truly found it. Over the course of putting this fundraising effort together, I have cried more than I probably have in over 10 years (often on my own while working on this). Hind’s story has deeply moved me.
We are using this challenge as a tool to raise money for the Irish Red Cross. The Irish Red Cross is providing funding to support their partners in the International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement – primarily the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS). The PRCS is responding to the urgent humanitarian needs and to provide lifesaving assistance and other essential services.
I wanted to extend our fundraising efforts beyond myself and my friends (Denis, Kenny, Shane, Tomas & Dave) who are doing the challenge. So I approached the principal of my son’s primary school here in Dublin about getting the children involved. He and the entire staff of Divine Word NS have been absolutely incredible and have come on board to take part and raise money. On Dec 12, the children of Divine Word NS will also undertake a challenge, in the form of an all day relay. Each class will take turn completing a physical activity and then pass the “baton” to the next class. They will do this for the entire duration of the school day and in turn use this to raise money for the Irish Red Cross. This challenge as well as the one I am doing,acknowledge both the passing of and the preciousness of time. Time that Hind and the other fallen angels of Gaza have lost forever.
This challenge will test us physically, mentally & emotionally. The first 10 hours alone in the gym will probably break us down. As we enter the mountains in darkness, we will in all likelihood suffer some more before we see daylight again. But here’s the thing – we will see daylight again, we will get to hug our loves ones when this is over and we will get to see and experience the awe and wonder on the faces of our children over Christmas. Hind Rajab and all the fallen angels of Gaza will not get any of this. For as long as I live, I know I will never forget this image of Hind. This beautiful little girl who’s life was cruelly taken.
Please support our efforts and give what you can to The Irish Red Cross through this link – https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/TheFallenAngels
