A SHANNON father and daughter are set to tackle more than one million steps across one of Poland’s longest mountain trails to raise funds for Mountain Rescue Ireland.
Wojciech Wisniewska and his 12-year-old daughter Kaja will spend 21 days covering 519 kilometres along the Main Beskid Trail between July 26 and August 15, carrying everything they need for the duration of the challenge.
The pair have spent the past year preparing for the trek. Their decision to support Mountain Rescue Ireland came after Kaja became the youngest person to attempt the Galtee Mountains Challenge earlier this summer, successfully completing the Short Galtee Mountains Challenge.
Regular hikers, Wojciech and Kaja said they wanted to support the volunteer rescue teams who provide an essential service across Ireland.
Mountain Rescue Ireland, the representative body for 11 volunteer mountain rescue teams across the island, welcomed the fundraiser.
Chair of Mountain Rescue Ireland Derry Cullen said: “We are delighted that Wojciech and Kaja have decided to raise funds for Mountain Rescue Ireland as they complete this exceptional challenge. Mountain Rescue Ireland is 100% volunteer led and we rely on kind donations from the public and fundraising efforts such as this to enable us to continue to provide this vital service throughout Ireland.
“It is great that, through the challenge, Wojciech and Kaja will also be helping to raise awareness of the service we provide and the importance of being prepared to ensure you can stay safe while outdoors exploring our beautiful countryside.
“On behalf of everyone in Mountain Rescue Ireland, I would like to wish Wojciech and Kaja a successful and safe challenge.”
Speaking ahead of the challenge, Wojciech said hiking had become something special they shared as father and daughter.
“Hiking is a passion we share, and it’s something that strengthens the bond between us: father and daughter. Every time we head into the Irish mountains, we feel safe knowing that Mountain Rescue teams are there if things go wrong.
“We were reminded of that even more during our recent challenge in the Galtee Mountains, when the weather changed suddenly and dramatically. Knowing Mountain Rescue Ireland was ready to help if needed gave us real peace of mind. Ireland is our home, and we’re grateful for the chance to support an organisation as vital as Mountain Rescue Ireland.”
Kaja said she hopes to complete more than one million steps while raising awareness and funds for the volunteers she calls the “Mountain Angels”.
“My goal is to complete over one million steps in 21 days, and I’m driven by one big dream: to raise one Euro for every step in support of what I like to call the ‘Mountain Angels’ – the Mountain Rescue volunteers who are always there for me and for everyone who hikes in Ireland when help is needed.”
Those wishing to support Wojciech and Kaja’s fundraiser can donate via their GoFundMe page. https://gofund.me/52b0f9db8.
Updates on their challenge are available through 2 Souls 1 Passion on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
