This St. Patrick's weekend, I'll be climbing Croagh Patrick in aid of Pádraig Schaler, one of my closest friends who suffered an acquired brain injury in 2013. I'll be hiking the Reek barefoot to raise funds for the continuing costs of Pádraig's care.

All funds raised will go to support Caring for Pádraig. Pádraig's continued care and therapy comes at a financial cost, and Caring for Pádraig was set up after his accident as a way for his friends and family to help out in that regard. Nearly seven years on from being knocked off his bicycle in Cape Cod and suffering a serious brain injury, Pádraig continues to take big and small steps on the road of rehabilitation. Though advanced movement and speech is currently beyond him, Pádraig hears and understands everything, and is able to communicate with those around him via actions or gestures, communication aids, or often through his own ingenuity.

Pádraig will be there to meet us for a music session at Campbell's Pub at the foot of Croagh Patrick following our descent of the Reek. I'll be looking forward to a pint in his company and a warm bath for my mangled feet!