Walking challenge #RambleAid raises over €2,500 for HOPE cause

By Brendan Grehan

OVER 70 hardy souls took to the hills last Saturday as part of the charity event, Ramble Aid.

Run by the Kiltipper Ramblers for the last two years, the event saw people take to three different trails located both in Tallaght and close by in the Dublin Mountains – in an attempt to get fit, learn more about local walking routes and to raise money for H.O.P.E. Tallaght, the support organisation for all those affected by suicide.

Participants had a choice of a 5k or 10k Loop Walk around Bohernabreena Reservoir, the Dodder Source and Marrens Brook 8k Ramble, or the 4 Peaks Challenge 12K hike.

The four peaks tackled were Kippure, Seefin Gan, Corrig and Seahan.

Despite the damp weather, it didn’t damp the participants spirits, and over €2,500 has been raised so far for H.O.P.E. Tallaght.

Simon Sweeney, co-founder of Kiltipper Ramblers, said: “It was a great day. We had a great turn-out. The weather didn’t dampen people’s fun. Some of the ground was flooded and a few people slipped coming down the hills.”

He added: “There was a lot of young people who turned out and that was great.”

The organisers were greatly helped by Foróige and Tallaght Senior Citizens, who both provided buses for the event.

Simon said: “We wouldn’t have been able to do it without the buses. It meant that we could get participants up to the starting points.”

Simon told The Echo that Ramble Aid wouldn’t be possible without the numerous volunteers who lent a hand.

He added: “I would like to give a big shout-out to all the volunteers who helped out on the day. The day wouldn’t have been possible without them. Thanks must also go to Tallaght Community Council who gave us a dig-out and to all our sponsors”.

Ramble Aid sponsors include the Kiltipper Café Bar, IDM Transport Ltd, Dorsull Construction Ltd, On Wincom Engineering Ltd, Axo Nobel Paint and DC Print Tallaght.