Teens Round Ireland Challenge
A group of nine teenagers from the Kinsale area is setting off on a Round Ireland Challenge on (12 August in aid of Mercy Ships.
The keen sailors, some of whom have just finished their Leaving Certificates, will be sailing a 39ft yacht round the coast of Ireland over six days to raise money for free medical and humanitarian aid to the poorest countries in Africa.
It is the first time any of the youngsters have undertaken such a challenge and they have been training at the Kinsale Yacht Club over the last few weeks, where they have familiarised themselves with their yacht ‘Sonas’, kindly supplied to them for the challenge by her owner, David Ross.
Ben Fusco (19) from Kinsale who will be the Skipper on board, said, “We are all keen sailors and wanted to combine our love of sailing with doing something for charity. There are lots of great boat related charities out there but when we heard about the work of Mercy Ships, we were blown away by the idea that a ship provides free medical care to some of the poorest people in the world.
“Hearing that thousands of people every year are given free medical care by volunteers on the ship was inspiring and we knew we had to do something special to raise money for them – hence our Round Ireland Challenge.
“Competing in the Round Ireland Race wasn’t an option for us this year so we’ve decided to do our very own version and hopefully it will all go to plan.”
The team will set off from the Kinsale Yacht Club on 12th August and, weather permitting, plan to return on the 18th August, where their family and friends will be waiting to greet them on their return.
Billy Walsh from Youghal in Cork, who volunteered with Mercy Ships in Benin last year, said, “It’s wonderful that a group a young Irish people have taken on this challenge for Mercy Ships.
“I know first hand the difference the charity makes to the people of Africa and it was a huge privilege to serve on the ship. Even although I wasn’t part of the frontline medical team, I had the opportunity to meet many of the patients and it was a life-changing experience for them and for me.”
Judy Polkinhorn, Executive Director of Mercy Ships UK who will be there on Thursday to wave off the team, said, “For a group of teenagers to commit to this challenge on behalf of Mercy Ships is truly inspiring and we are extremely grateful to them for their support.
“Each year, thousands of people have their lives transformed after receiving treatment on the Africa Mercy and this is only possible thanks to people from all walks of life who support our work.”