Limerick Firemen to Attempt World Record in Aid of Charity
Friday, 5th December 2008: In a Christmas fundraiser for Red Hill School for young people with autism in Patrickswell, which incorporates the Bluebell ABA school, the Limerick City Fire and Rescue Service will attempt to break the World Record for a 24-hour ladder climb on Friday, 12th December. The attempt will see ten fire-fighters scale a ladder a minimum of 46 times per hour if they are to break the current world record held by New Zealand. The climb will take place from 4pm outside Debenhams in O’Connell Street and the Fire Service is asking the public to come along and support the attempt.
Throughout Saturday, local bands and celebrities will entertain the crowds as ten of the city’s finest undertake the breathtaking challenge. Fundraising to support the attempt will take place around the city and in Thomond Park where it is hoped that news of a successful outcome can be announced at half time during the Munster match on Saturday.
Paul Knapp, fire-fighter, Limerick Fire and Rescue Services, said, “In 2005, ten New Zealand fire-fighters climbed 109.5 km on one ladder so we have a tough 24 hours ahead of us. It will be a real test of our endurance but the important thing is that we will be raising valuable funds for Red Hill School and we hope lots of people will cheer us on and donate to what is a very worthy cause.”
Laura Keane, Assistant Director of Health and Social Care Services, Rehab, said, ‘Red Hill School is in the very early stages of development and any funds raised at the event will help get us off to a great start.’
Deirdre Bourke, manager of the Bluebell School, said, ‘The people of Limerick have always been very generous to the Bluebell School and we look forward to their continued support.’
Red Hill School, under the auspices of Rehab, provides education for children with autistic spectrum disorder. The school opened in September this year. Separately, Rehab provides a range of autism services to children and adults nationwide, including residential, day and respite care, home care and after school services.
Notes to editor:
Rehab is a dynamic, not-for-profit organisation working to support those with disabilities and others who are marginalised. Rehab has an ongoing fundraising programme to ensure the continued development of its services locally. Each year, more than 56,000 people access its health and social care, training and education, and rehabilitation, employment and commercial services in Rehab’s network of some 208 centres across Ireland, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Poland.
For further information contact:
Tess Tattersall, Rehab
Tel: 01 205 7260
Mobile: 086 8722 509
Email: tess.tattersall@www.rehab.ie