By Dionne Meehan
LETTERKENNY’S John Wilkie has handed over a massive €11,144 to the Irish Guide Dog’s Donegal branch after he completed a charity climb of Kilimanjaro.
Once left paralysed from a rare neurological disorder, John decided to celebrate his good health by climbing to the summit of Africa’s highest mountain while raising much needed funds along the way.
It is a wonderful achievement by the popular Karate instructor who was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare disorder where the body’s immune system damages nerves.
In 2019, he was on medication and could barely walk.
After undergoing a hip replacement operation, part of his recovery was walking alongside Mountain Guide and International Expedition Leader Jason Black.
When the conversation came up about climbing Kilimanjaro, John set his sights on the challenge.
Speaking to the Donegal News John said the climb was to put his own demons to bed.
“I had to do it for my own good coming from a place in 2015 where I wasn’t really able to walk.
“To be honest there was a moment I thought I wasn’t going to make it, it was very challenging.
“Altitude was a problem, I didn’t do much altitude training but we had a great leader,” he said.
With 10 people participating in the climb, John said he had a great team around him.
“I have to say, the wheels did come off the wagon for myself.
“There was a moment, but you just have to say come on, let’s do this,” he said.
Inspired by Jennifer Doherty, John’s aim was to raise awareness for the Irish Guide Dog’s charity.
“There is a woman who is blind and who has done base camp last year.
“Just because you have a disability doesn’t mean it is going to hold you back.
“She is just unreal and she inspired me,” he said.
John started fundraising for the Irish Guide Dogs in 2022 by participating in a barefoot walk.
Making history by raising the greatest amount by one person, John recently handed over a cheque of €11,144.
Speaking at the handing over of the cheque, Jennifer Doherty thanked John for his amazing work.
Costing €5,000 to sponsor a guide dog for one year, John raised enough funds to sponsor a dog for two years.
As a new puppy is coming to Donegal, John also got the privilege of naming the new arrival and chose the name ‘Oakley’.
John expressed his gratitude to all the individuals who sponsored his climb.
“It has been a great success and it has brought great awareness to the charity.
“But it’s good to be back,” he joked.
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)