On Saturday the 20th May 2017, Donegal Civil Defence will take on the challenge of climbing Errigal Mountain, a (2,464 ft) mountain near Gweedore in County Donegal. The sponsored climb is being held in aid of The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association ( IMNDA).

A group of Civil Defence volunteers are undertaking this challenge to raise much needed funds for the IMNDA following the diagnosis of one of their long serving members and friends within the organisation, Mr. John Cunningham, Carndonagh, who has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in recent years.

John joined Civil Defence on 15th February 2007 and has been an active member ever since. Since joining, John has been a significant role model for young and the not so young, within the Auxiliary Fire Service (AFS). He worked hard at setting up of the AFS station in Carndonagh, has worked alongside the Donegal Fire Service at gorse fires and was a member of the winning National Civil Defence AFS Pump Drill Team in 2008. Despite his diagnosis, John continues as a member of Civil Defence and despite his diagnosis, continues to give valuable service to his community in any way possible.

Motor Neurone Disease is a neurological condition that does not discriminate, striking people of all ages. There is currently no treatment or cure. The damage caused by MND is progressive so it gets worse over time. MN is a debilitating disease which requires further funding and research. It is with this in mind that Donegal Civil Defence has decided, after seeing at first hand the effects it can have on a person’s quality of life, to fundraise in an effort to support continued research. On the 20th May, 12 Civil Defence volunteers will climb Errigal Mountain with the support of our first aid, rescue, welfare and radio communication teams to support this worthy cause.