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Summit 2 Sea for MND
Ben Hamilton • 21 February 2024

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Summit 2 Sea for MND

Adrian’s Legacy: Summit 2 Sea for MND Campaign Announced to Support Research and Raise Awareness for Motor Neurone Disease

Adrian Harkin is a resilient individual on a journey shaped by the challenges of Motor Neurone Disease (MND), he has announced the launch of his next Adventure/Challenge. The “Summit 2 Sea for MND” campaign. This initiative is a testament to Adrian’s determination to leave a lasting legacy and raise crucial funds for The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA), a pivotal organization in supporting individuals affected by MND.

A Journey Redefined: From Waters to Wheels

In August of 2022, Adrian was diagnosed with MND, a life-altering moment that temporarily took him away from his passion for water activities. Undeterred, he embraced cycling along the scenic Wild Atlantic Way with friends, marking the beginning of a transformative journey. Adrian’s last cycle, on St. Patrick’s Day 2023, became a poignant moment as his physical capabilities started to decline.


Paddle for Support: A Community Rallies

As Adrian faced increasing challenges, his friend Shooter organized a paddle down the Lough to show solidarity and support. This experience planted the seed for “Summit 2 Sea for MND”. Despite grim predictions in October, Adrian persevered and began contemplating the legacy he wanted to leave behind.


A Fundraising Odyssey for MND Research

To honour the support received from IMNDA, which provided crucial equipment like a chair lift, an electric wheelchair, and an eye gaze machine, Adrian conceived the Summit 2 Sea for MND campaign. The fundraising efforts aim to contribute to research for treatments and cures for MND.

Summit 2 Sea for MND Event Details:


Event Name: Summit 2 Sea for MND
Date: 20th April 2024 with 21st, 27th or 28th as possible alternatives, in that order. Subject to Weather Conditions
The Challenge: Paddle around Ireland and climb to the 32 Highest Points.
Website: 
www.summit2sea4mnd.ie
Donation Page: 
www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/Summit2SeaforMND

Join the Journey:
Adrian calls on friends, family, the outdoor community, past clients, and the public to support the Summit 2 Sea for MND campaign. Follow his and his team’s journey on social media:

Facebook: @Summit2SeaforMND
Instagram: @Summit2SeaforMND
Twitter: @Summit2Sea4MND
#summit2seaformnd #adrianslegacy #mndresearch

Stay tuned for more information and updates on the campaign’s official website, set to launch soon.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Ronan O’Neill
086 274 2663
Email: 
summit2seaformnd@gmail.com

About Summit 2 Sea for MND

Summit 2 Sea for MND is a fundraising campaign initiated by Adrian Harkin, aiming to raise awareness and funds (1 million euros) for The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA). The campaign involves a unique combination of paddling and climbing, symbolizing the resilience required in the face of MND.


The Irish Coastline will be divided up into 40+ sections with section leads coordinating each section, all while being tracked live via GPS trackers.


The 12-hour relay will begin from Adrian’s Home in Moville from Inish Adventures, with the opportunity for businesses to sponsor a seat in a double sea kayak and have a nominated member of their staff in the boat. The final section of Ireland from Shrove back into Moville will be completed by Adrian himself paddling in a yellow Sea Kayak with his good friend Shane Cronin along with friends and family.


At the same time Adrian’s good friend, Ciaran Farrell will be organising that each of the highest hills in each county of Ireland is summitted on the same day. This is a marathon undertaking just like MND itself is. With friends, family, the outdoor community, clients Adrian has had the pleasure to work with and the public to get behind his campaign, Adrian and his team are aiming to raise 1 million Euro to contribute to research for treatments and cures for MND.

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