Fota Survival Challenge raises €5,057 in aid of the Mercy Cancer Appeal

The Mercy Hospital Foundation would like to congratulate and thank the nine “recruits” who took part in a 48 hour Fota Survival Challenge from November 4th – 6th  in aid of the Mercy Cancer Appeal.

Hazel Burns, Jamie Harrington, Kelly MacCarthy, Alison Ireland, Sarah Quinlan, Cathal Rasmussen, John Paul Curtain, Dwanye Breen and Anthony O’Beirnes raised €5,057 from their endeavour; and a cheque was presented to Mercy Hospital Staff Nurse, Patrice Wilshaw on Monday, 5^th December at Fota Island Resort.

The “recruits’” expedition began with a training session, followed by a 48 hour stint where they completed a number of challenges including kayaking, hiking, mind games, individual and team games such as archery; as well as sleeping out under the stars. The “recruits” were given basic food rations to sustain them until 12pm on Sunday, 6th November when their challenge was completed. 

Funds raised will go towards the Mercy Cancer Appeal which is used to fund key services and advancements in the treatment of and research into many cancers, and in particular The Mercy Cancer CARE Centre. Once complete the Mercy Cancer CARE Centre will be a non-clinical state of the art facility which will provide a quiet and safe place for patients and their families to access an increasingly necessary range of services to support those affected both directly and indirectly by a cancer diagnosis. 

Deirdre Finn, Head of Fundraising at the Mercy Hospital Foundation, said “A huge congratulations to all the amazing “recruits” on completing their challenge. Special thanks must also go to Cobh man, Ger Burns, a long-standing supporter of the Mercy Hospital Foundation, who came to the Foundation with the idea for this fundraising event. Thanks to all at Fota Island Adventure, especially the  instructors Ken, Terry and Niamh who put the recruits through their paces; and also Fota Island Resort and Cork’s RedFM for their support. And lastly, a big thank you to Liam O’Doherty from Cobh Credit Union who donated €300 to the fundraising campaign.”

For more information on the Mercy Cancer Appeal visit www.mercyhospitalfoundation.ie.