Intrepid stairway trekkers raise more than £8,000

FOUR intrepid trekkers who undertook a tough virtual climb of two mountains, have helped to raise more than £8,000 for Concern Worldwide.

Moved by the plight of people in the poorest countries in the world fighting the Covid-19, Mary Gormley, Sharon Brogan, Cathy McCrossan and Marian O’Neill decided in June that they would climb the equivalent of Slieve Donard and Carrantouhill – using only their stairs.

Overwhelmed and humbled by the positive response received, Marian thanked all family, friends and the wider community who rallied to the cause, bringing the fundraising total to £8,114.77.

“Our initial ambition was to raise £2,000, but our final figure topped £8,000,” Marian said.

“The money raised has been donated to Concern Worldwide, who have described the Covid-19 crisis as being a crisis on top of another crisis: Global hunger.

“Concern estimates that over one billion people could be left without food.

“As such, we are appealing for the ongoing support of the people of Omagh for this vital, life-saving work, during a street collection which we are holding tomorrow (Friday).”

• Tomorrow (Friday, September 4), the local Concern support group are holding a street collection in Omagh to continue helping the world’s most vulnerable people in the fight against Covid-19. The collection will observe strict social distancing to ensure everyone’s safety.