University of Limerick student to take on Kilimanjaro for Meningitis research

A UNIVERSITY of Limerick student is taking on a mammoth challenge to raise money for a very worthwhile cause. 

Eimear McHugh is a fourth year student at UL who has decided to test herself by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of the Meningitis Research Foundation.

The sports and exercise science student will climb the highest free-standing mountain in the world with 14 fellow students from the university. 

The group are taking on a seven day trek with the end goal of reaching the summit 5895 meters above sea level on August 22. 

Eimear, who is originally from Leitrim, is hoping to raise €5,000 for the charity which researches and raises awareness of two serious diseases, Meningitis and Septicemia.

Meningitis and neonatal sepsis are the second biggest infectious killer of children under the age of 5 on the planet, affecting more than 5 million people every year.

First students attend University of Limerick City Centre Campus

The Meningitis Research Foundation provides better access to vaccines, speedy diagnosis, optimal treatment, and support to Meningitis survivors. 

Eimear says she is hoping to take on two climbs a month in the run up to the big trek and is also about to start altitude training. 

This will involve walking on a treadmill at an incline while wearing an altitude mask to help combat sickness while on the mountain. 

As well as her fundraising page, Eimear has also created a flag, decorated in local businesses and organisations that have donated to the cause.

She will carry the flag throughout her journey in recognition of the donors charitable efforts and it will also feature in her social media posts. 

If you want to have your logo printed on Eimear's Kilimanjaro flag you can contact her on eimearmchugh21299@gmail.com

Alternatively you can donate to her fundraising page here.