CLIMBERS will take to the 12 O’Clocks Hills this Sunday, April 3, in solidarity with broadcaster Charlie Bird and his fundraising efforts, as he battles Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Two hikes are available from 12 noon in support of MND and also in support of Vicky Phelan and Pieta House. The routes cover 8.5km and 13km and those participating are asked to be on site by 11.45am.

All donations made to the Honesty Box at the Belvoir carpark from last Monday, March 28 to Sunday next will be donated to MND and Pieta House. 

Monsel Catering will be in attendance between 2 and 3pm on Sunday for those returning from their hikes.

On Saturday, April 2, the former RTÉ correspondent will climb Croagh Patrick to raise funds for the two charities in question. He has asked that people who cannot join him in Mayo would climb with him “in spirit” next weekend. 

The 12 O’Clock Hills project committee has also advised that from Monday April 4 the Belvoir carpark will be closed for four days to facilitate surface repair work.

Anyone planning a walk the hills between April 4 and 7 should use the Snaty Trailhead as their starting point.

All trails are fully way-marked from this trailhead and there is parking for 14 cars on the right-hand side of the road leading to the Sunyata Buddhist Centre.