Million Dollar Fitness Errigal Climb for Jamie’s Journie

Members of Million Dollar Fitness and supporters of Jamie’s Journie climbed Errigal on Sunday (25 October 2015) to raise funds and awareness of childhood cancer.

“We are teaming up with Jamie’s Journie to give something back to our community,” Dee McCahill of Million Dollar Fitness explained. “And celebrating the first anniversary of being in our new home – the restored Tower Hall on Bond’s Hill – with a month of fundraising.”

At 751m, Errigal is the highest peak in County Donegal and the iconic mountain provided the perfect setting for the challenge. Climbers of all ages turned out despite the cold weather. The peak was shrouded in mist as they set off and the going was very heavy. However, as the first group approached the summit, the cloud lifted and climbers were treated to a panoramic view.

First to the top was 13-year-old Oisin Connolly (pictured). Despite the wind, climbers celebrated reaching the summit by performing extreme burpees and grabbing a few selfies. Even the fittest of the crew said climbing Errigal was “harder than you’d think,” but getting to the top and knowing that it was also helping other people was “just the best feeling in the world, we’d do it again.”

Event organiser, Dee McCahill (pictured), undertook the climb knowing that it would trigger her Meniere’s Disease and leave her feeling unwell not just during the climb, but for days afterwards. “What an amazing day even though my Meniere’s kicked my butt big time!” she said.

Jamie’s parents greeted everyone back to basecamp. “Unfortunately, Jamie couldn’t be here as he’s not feeling well today,” Jamie’s mum, Trisha, explained. “But, can I say how overwhelmed we are today and we can’t thank everybody enough. On behalf of all the children and families of Jamie’s Journie. It’s brought a tear to my eye, thank you so much.”

Jamie is 16 years old and has beaten cancer twice. His idea for Jamie’s Journie was to create a support group for families affected by childhood cancer. Jamie was delighted that Lorraine Barrett joined the climb and represented the families on his behalf.

“Fund-raising money from the Errigal climb is still being handed in,” Dee said. “We’ll announce the grand total next week when all our events have been completed. We’re having a Hallowe’en Coffee Morning at Million Dollar Fitness on Bond’s Hill next Saturday. Everyone is welcome and, of course, it’s fancy dress!”

Members of Million Dollar Fitness are also taking part in a Pledge My Pounds Challenge – for every pound in weight lost, Dee is donating £1 and members have pledged forfeits also.

“There will be cake and piggery at the Coffee Morning,” Dee added. “The Pledge my Pounds Challenge will have finished so everyone can take the day off and enjoy some good home-baking!”

You can read more on Facebook or visit www.milliondollartrainer.com/supporting-jamies-journie

Event photos available for download:

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dee McCahill, Million Dollar Fitness, Tower Hall, Bond’s Hill, Derry /L’Derry BT48 6DW

Website milliondollartrainer.com

Email dee@milliondollartrainer.com

Direct Contact Number +44 7500 933 074

PR Enquiries +44 2871 414030

Notes to the Editor:

• Dee McCahill is available for an interview
• Finalist for Belfast Telegraph Inspirational Woman Of the Year Award 2014
• Finalist in four categories of the What’s on 4 Me Awards 2014, a national event held at Earl’s Court in November and organised by Ideal Home

1. Best Skill or Academic Learning Provider
2. Best Slimming, Wellbeing or Lifestyle Service
3. Best Sports, Health or Fitness Group (NI & Scotland)
4. Most Inspirational Coach, Instructor or Tutor