32 County Peaks in 1 Week

16-22 July 2023

My name is Dr Richard Horgan, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Cork University Maternity Hospital, Cork, husband and dad.

I aim to hike the highest peak in every county in Ireland in one week. This involves 4/5 county peaks a day, hiking about 30km per day with a cumulative altitude of over 16,000m (52,500 feet) (almost twice Mount Everest). This is in aid of Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH) Charity and in memory of my sister-in-law Orla Gosnell (van Tergouw).

Orla passed away in December 2018, five months after delivering her 5^th baby in CUMH. I have wanted to do something in her memory for a long time. I took up a Consultant post at CUMH in January 2020 and started planning in lockdown and finally I have an opportunity to undertake this challenge.  

I enjoy hiking and love Ireland, so I came up with this 32 County Peaks in 1 Week challenge.

Orla was the most wonderful lady and mother. She was particularly motivated about being involved and informed in her care in pregnancy and beyond.

I am passionate about obstetrics and maternity care and I really feel privileged that I am able to do this for Orla, her family and for CUMH.  

I aim to create spaces in the glass corridors of CUMH for patients, their partners, families or staff to stop, take a breath, take a few moments, gather thoughts and strength or relax. Orla worked hard in social care where some days were extremely tough. This place basked in Cork sunshine (most of the time) is the perfect place to honour Orla’s memory. I hope to raise money for these areas of reflection including benches to sit and I also wish to create a gallery and display area.

Unfortunately journeys in CUMH are not always happy ones. A simple kindness, like a bench, for those that need it, to take a moment would also give me incredible joy in this precious line of work.

Thank you

Richard

Follow my journey on Instagram 

https://instagram.com/32countypeaksin1week?igshid=MzNlNGNkZWQ4Mg==