Kildare man Gerry O’Brien has helped raise an impressive €60,000 for five Irish charities

Chadwicks Group colleague Gerry O’Brien, based in Naas, has helped raise an impressive €60,000 for five Irish charities. The Dublin local was part of a 17 strong team of Chadwicks Group colleagues who took on the Four Peaks Challenge over the course of four days.  

From May 18 – 21, the team scaled Slieve Donard in Co. Down, Carrauntoohil in Co. Kerry, Mweelrea in Co. Mayo, and Lugnaquilla in Co. Wicklow in one weekend with 15 additional Chadwicks Group colleagues joining the challenge for the final peak in Wicklow. 

Supporting the fundraising efforts, a number of sponsors included Gyproc, Glennon Brothers, Irish Cement, Kilsaran, Whiteriver, Murray Timber Group, Mannok and Cedral. 

Patrick Atkinson, CEO of Chadwicks Group said, “We’re proud to announce Chadwicks Group has raised €60,000 for five deserving charities through our Four Peaks Challenge. The team’s efforts were incredible, and we exceeded our fundraising targets by €10,000, which will go a long way in supporting our five chosen charities.  

"We have a long and proud history of working with and donating to charities who help some of the most vulnerable communities in Ireland. On behalf of Chadwicks Group, I’d like to congratulate and thank all 32 employees who went above and beyond in their efforts over the weekend.” 

The funds raised will be split between the five charities, one of which will be IWA, an organisation provides nationwide assisted living services, community centres in every county, and campaigns for equal opportunities for people with physical disabilities. The donation will go towards running its services and activities including a Disability Action Advocacy Group, School Leavers service, and support for its 59 community centres across the country. 

As well as Pieta House, which provides free specialised treatment programmes for people who have suicidal ideation or participate in self-harming behaviours, as well as support for families affected. Pieta will use the donation to support initiatives including its free counselling services, crisis intervention and bereavement support services, and outreach services to groups and communities such as sporting associations, schools, businesses and front-line service providers. 

As well as an IMNDA is the only organisation of its kind which provides care and support to people with Motor Neuron disease, their families, friends and caregivers. Funding will be used to support its services including home visits, financial assistance towards home care, specialised equipment and communication aids, and counselling and research projects.

Purple House is Ireland’s community based cancer support centre, which provides free professional support and psycho-oncology services to those affected by cancer. Purple House’s donation will fund its Child and Family Cancer services including support services, art therapy, sensory and creative therapies, outings, and individual counselling. 

Funds were also raised for Mayo Autism Camp provides socially inclusive activities for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. Funding will go towards installing a sensory regulation Cubbie and special changing facilities for families. 

Aidan Stacey, Commercial Director, Irish Wheelchair Association said, “Irish Wheelchair Association is incredibly grateful to Chadwicks Group for their amazing donation raised through the Four Peaks Challenge as well as their ongoing support over the years. We are working to build a more inclusive society for people with disabilities across Ireland and Chadwicks Group is helping make this possible. I cannot thank them enough.”