Anam Cara Fasgadh co-founder stands on the roof of the world
Anam Cara Fasgadh co-founder Michael McGuire has taken his fundraising efforts to the top of the world by climbing to Mount Everest Base Camp, writes Jamie Wills.
Lochaber resident Mr McGuire shared news of his achievement on Friday May 19 as he stood 17,598 feet above sea level in Nepal.
The Himalayan trek, which started on Wednesday May 10 and involved bouts of altitude sickness and food poisoning, has raised £2,500 for the charity. Anam Cara Fasgadh was founded in 2018 to provide respite accommodation, recreational activities and support to families who are bereaved through the death of a baby, child or young person.
Mr McGuire helped start Anam Cara Fasgadh in 2018 after his son Kyle was stillborn in 2009. His hike to Everest was done to coincide with what would be Kyle’s 14th birthday.
The money raised is enough to pay for next year’s site fees for Poppy’s Place, a caravan at Tralee Bay, Benderloch, in which bereaved families can stay.
Posting on Facebook, the charity said: “There are no words to properly convey how in awe we are of the determination, grit and dedication of our co-founder Michael.
“He has battled severe sickness and dehydration, altitude sickness and sheer exhaustion from trekking 8-10 hours each day in exceptionally challenging circumstances. But he did it. He took our children’s names to near the very top of our planet, and honoured their memory in doing so. And every step of the way he felt his son Kyle with him.”
The climb also saw 70 football shirts handed out to local children.
Those wishing to donate to Base Camp trek can do so via Mr McGuire’s JustGiving page.