Enda’s lightening the load
Teacher to carry washing machine up Kilimanjaro for mental health charity
A TEACHER is gearing up to climb Mount Kilimanjaro with a washing machine strapped to his back. Enda O’doherty plans to carry the 40kg appliance to the summit of Africa’s highest peak in aid of mental health charity Pieta House. The 49-year-old hopes to highlight the importance of asking for help and “sharing the load”. Enda, who is in the middle of a gruelling training schedule, said: “My goal is simple, I aim to raise vital funds for Pieta House and to spread a positive mental health message. “Most people ask why a washing machine? From my side, it’s very simple – the washing machine I’m carrying symbolises the heavy hidden load many people carry and stay quiet. “We are aiming to raise awareness and also raise funds for Pieta House and every little helps.” The former alcoholic, 49, from Co Waterford, has already completed a number of impressive feats with a washing machine on his back, including climbing Slievenamon, Co Tipperary. He also walked 379km from Belfast to Waterford, during which he broke both his feet and lost all of his toenails. But Enda’s latest challenge in Tanzania in July will prove to be a considerable step up from his previous endeavours. His body will be pushed to the limit, with the last night of the hike involving a 16-hour trek at -20C with roughly 40% oxygen. For more information or to donate visit http://pieta-challenge-2017.everydayhero. do or call 1800 247247 if you need to “share the load”.