Donegal and Mayo friends tackling north Africa’s highest peak for charity

A group of best friends from Donegal and Mayo are taking on north Africa’s highest peak for charity.

Seán Mullan, from Buncrana, Cian Gallen and Oisín McElhinney from Ballybofey and Lorcan Towey from Foxford, Co Mayo, who is currently based in London, are taking on Mount Toubkal in Morocco to raise money for Mary's Meals.

The group met during their time studying at ATU Donegal in Letterkenny and later Coventry University, where they graduated in 2023. Seán, Oisin and Lorcan are qualified physiotherapists, while Cian is a dietician.

The money raised from the climb will help Mary’s Meals provide daily school meals for children in Africa.

The lads flew to Morocco yesterday and will be commencing the ascent today. The idea for the climb began last year, as Seán tells DonegalLive.

“My mate sent me a DM on Instagram about a year ago and it was of a Mount Toubkal climb, like a two-day guided tour and we were like ‘yeah we have to do that, that would be so cool’, says Seán. “We just left it at that for a few months and then we said ‘yeah let’s do it and let’s book it.’

“Then in terms of the charity, I thought it would be a nice thing to do because it would be good to give back. All the money goes to feeding the children. Also, my mum did a bit of work for Mary's Meals pre-Covid and she got involved and raised a bit of money so I’ve been aware of the charity since then. It’s a great cause.”

Mount Toubkal stands at a height of 4,167 metres. Compared to Donegal’s highest peak Errigal at 751 metres, or Croagh Patrick at 764 metres in Mayo, altitude training for such a height is limited.

“It will be a challenge,” says Seán. “We’ve done a few runs but not altitude training so hopefully none of us get dizziness or altitude sickness.

“It’s a two-day climb and we’ve got a sherpa so it’s a guided tour. We stay in huts on the first night and then we’ll leave before sunrise the following day, which will be on Friday. We hope to reach the peak on Friday morning.”

Despite the challenge, Seán and his friends are looking forward to the experience.

“There’s nothing I’m nervous about because I’m not an overthinker anyways,” says Seán. “I know a lot of people would think ‘what if I get altitude sickness or what if this happens.’ Honestly I don’t really think about that. I always go into things in life with a good mindset. I try not to overthink on things because I know where that can lead you.”

After reaching the mountain’s peak, the lads are planning to enjoy a few days of sightseeing around Marrakesh to unwind.

READ NEXT: 'It’s just instinct, someone’s in bother and you try your best to help them'

“I’m excited, I’ve never been to Africa so it will be a whole different part of the world and a new experience,” says Seán. “We’re just lucky to be able to do it so I’m grateful for that.”

You can support the climb by donating to Summit to Serve - Mount Toubkal for Mary’s Meals.