Climb of Donegal's Errigal Mountain organised in memory of man who died while climbing it

Stephen Maguire

Up to 100 people are expected to climb Donegal's iconic Errigal Mountain next Sunday in memory of a man who lost his life climbing to the summit six months ago.

Carl Henderson collapsed and died after climbing the iconic Donegal mountain on April 26th last.

Now, some friends have come together to ensure that life-saving equipment is available on the mountain on a 24-hour basis if anyone suffers the same trauma as Carl, who was 48 when he died.

Over 80 people have already signed up to take part and this number is expected to grow in the coming days.

And more than €7,000 of a €10,000 target has been raised to install an eco-powered, weather-resistant defibrillator (AED) on Errigal.

Up to 40,000 people climb the 751-metre (2,464 ft) mountain each year, with that number increasing all the time due to a recent upgrade to the pathway on the mountain.

A portion of the proceeds will also support the Donegal Mountain Rescue Team (DMRT), whose volunteers cover the entire county 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and who rely on donations to fund this essential emergency service.

One of those getting behind the event is Donegal’s own Daniel O’Donnell, who has recorded a special video message offering his support and best wishes for the event.

On Sunday, October 26th, participants are asked to gather at the Old School in Dunlewey, F92 PK22 (next to Roarty’s Shop), where participants can collect wristbands between 11am and 11:30am.

A free park-and-ride shuttle bus, kindly sponsored by Cronan McFadden, will operate from 11:30am to bring participants to the starting point, with the climb beginning in staggered groups from 11:45am.

Organisers are urging everyone who plans to attend to pre-register online and make use of the free park-and-ride shuttle bus on the day.

A spokesperson for the event said they are hoping as many people as possible come along to the event to remember Carl who was from Moira, Co Armagh.

Friend and organiser Annemarie Doherty said: “By doing this, we hope that another family won't have to go through the pain of losing a loved one.”

Any donation can be made here, and anyone wishing to take part can register here.