LOCALS TACKLE KERRY CHALLENGE TO HELP FUND VITAL SKIN CHARITY

NEVER let it be said that the people of Kerry failed to do their part for charity after locals came out in force to show their support for the

recent ‘Debra Ireland Kerry Challenge’.

The three day trek through the rugged environ of the Dingle Peninsula was in aid of the butterfly skin charity, Debra Ireland, which works to support people living with EB (epidermolysis bullosa), also known as butterfly skin.

This incredibly painful genetic skin condition causes the skin layers and internal body linings to blister and wound at the slightest touch.

Among those who swapped their slippers for hiking boots and the comforts of home for a windswept mountainside were John O’Connor and Ciara Russell from the Dingle Skellig Hotel, Geraldine Ashe and Roisin Baker from Dingle and Aoileann de Hora from Tralee.

“The Kerry Challenge is a fantastic way to make a real difference in people’s lives while meeting new friends and exploring Dingle’s great outdoors,” said Debra Ireland’s Head of Marketing and Fundraising Judith Gilsenan.

“Teams and individuals can walk or run between 10 and 25km a day over two or three days in the beautiful but rugged terrain of the Dingle Peninsula.”

The condition affects approximately 1 in 18,000 babies and conditions can range from the very mild to the extremely severe.

All profits raised from the event go directly to the charity Debra Ireland which supports the 300 people in Ireland living with EB (epidermolysis bullosa).

All photos by Richard Sheehy. Kerryman Toddy Carey from Listowel and Gerard Liston from Rathkeale who recently completed the Debra Ireland Kerry Challenge.

John O’Connor and Ciara Russell from Dingle who completed the Debra Ireland Kerry Challenge.