High-flying gran swapping pension book for parachute
AN Irish granny who is planning a 10,000ft skydive next month in aid of people in war-torn Palestine said it is the victims themselves who have enabled her to conquer her fears.
Mary Mcdonnel, 75, from Grallagh, Co Tipperary, is doing the tandem skydive in Clonbullogue, Co Offlay, on February 11 with her son
Michael to raise funds for two charities working on the ground in war-ravaged Gaza: Medical Aid for Palestinians and Palestinian Children’s Relief.
And it’s the thought of the 10,000 children killed so far and those who can still be helped that will get her onto the aircraft on Sunday fortnight.
“I’ve never skydived, and I can guarantee you I never will again. I am not good on heights so it goes without saying that I am terrified of this. But what keeps me going is the people we are trying to raise money for.
“People in Ireland have been just amazing, showing their solidarity by protesting and calling for a ceasefire.
“All over the country, people have organised various events to raise money for different charities on the ground in Gaza and we just wanted to do something as a family as our contribution and the skydive is it.”
Since launching their Gofundme appeal, €6,000 has already been pledged to the campaign.
“We set out with no real target in mind but given the incredible response so far, largely from friends and family who have been so generous, we’ve raised over €6,000, so we’d love to get to €10,000.
The Mcdonnells are co-founders of the Nenagh Friends of Palestine.
In 2016, they were involved in hosting a soccer team from Gaza and such is the shocking level of attrition in the war that they now fear for the safety of those young men today.
Michael said: “Mam is a bit of a daredevil but, as she says herself, this is a different level.
“It’s a 10,000ft level and you’re strapped onto a person hoping everything goes right.”