Fundraising target of €5,000 for Tallaght hospital

For years, Matthew Corry has harboured a desire to visit the Great Wall of China but his commitments on the family farm at Tyreda invariably saw travel put on the back burner.
However, he never gave up hope that some day it might eventually come to pass. Recently, a window of opportunity presented itself when, as he leafed through the pages of The Farmer’s Journal, he stumbled on an article looking for volunteers to undertake a 60km trek in China next October.

But it wasn’t that straightforward. There was an in-built condition as he had to raise a minimum of €5,000 for the beneficiary of the sponsored walk, the National Children’s Hospital in Tallaght.
Matthew was immediately sold on the idea because a few years ago he experienced first-hand the dedication and professionalism of the staff when his son, Calum, was a patient in the children’s hospital. He always wanted to show his appreciation in some tangible way and he now had the opportunity to fundraise on their behalf.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the historical significance of The Great Wall of China and it has always been on my to do list. However, the opportunity never arose before now but given that Tallaght Hospital stands to benefit, this is an opportunity I don’t want to miss.
“When Calum was hospitalised, the care and attention he received from the nursing and medical staff was second to none and I’m thrilled that I now have an opportunity to express my gratitude,” he explained.
The Great Wall of China is one of the great wonders of the world, stretching 4,500 miles from the Gobi Desert to the mountains of Korea. During the 10-day trek, which starts and ends in Beijing, Matthew will take in some stunning scenery, challenging walks and get a fascinating insight into an ancient culture.
Accompanied by guides, the walking party will take in the Juyong circuit, Badaling, Dayingpan, Mutianya and the 1,000 steps, Black Dragon Pool Park, the Simitai Wild Wall, Jinshanling and The Forbidden City.
Matthew is hoping that a series of fundraising events he has planned will push him beyond the minimum target of €5,000 and he’ll launch his campaign over the festive period.
“I’ll be paying my own way but I’ll be part of a group and all of us will share a common goal, of raising the minimum amount of €5,000 at least for Tallaght hospital. Between now and departure time, I will be running a number of fundraisers and I’m sure the people of Tulla will respond with their normal level of generosity,” he says.