A local man has completed his climb of Mount Everest in aid of the Midlands Down Syndrome Centre.
Colm Swayne, who is originally from Stradbally but now lives in Portlaoise, has been documenting his progress on Facebook over the last couple of weeks and on Sunday, at 3pm time in Nepal, he reached his destination.
His undertaking involved an 18-day trip to Kathmandu and the 18,000ft trek to Base camp – Everest.
“Today was a very early start with breakfast at 5am, our trek commenced at 6.30ish and was the hardest day of the week. Today we had to negotiate the Kumbu glacier and it was quite a challenge, and worst of all actually quite dangerous due to regular landslides, things were very precarious and there were a few heart in mouth moments.
“Anyway we soldiered on and eventually arrived at our ‘Holy Grail’, today at 3pm (Nepal time) we were standing on Everest Base Camp.”
Colm paid for all his own costs, so all money raised will go directly to the charity.
“A lot of people have empathy towards the Down Syndrome Midland Centre,” Colm said prior to his departure.
The fact that he has covered all his costs should also mean that people will be more disposed to supporting him.
“I am getting nothing out of this and everything will go back to them,” he explained.
Although he now works as a prison officer, Colm spent over ten years in the army which he believed stood to him.
“Now you won’t have to endure my posts anymore but one last request please share for Down Syndrome Centre Midlands, thanks to everyone who sent me goodwill messages throughout and to those who have so generously donated to this wonderful cause, I’m humbled by your generosity and support,” he added.
Colm will return home next week after his exploits.
The Midlands Down Syndrome Centre also posted their congratulations.
You can contribute to Colm’s fundraising venture here.
SEE ALSO – WATCH: Laois man to tackle Mount Everest in aid of Down Syndrome Centre
