A Cork man is climbing Patrick’s Hill in Cork city 65 times on Saturday the 15th of April to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland.

Padraig Carroll from Carrigaline will walk up and down the massive hill from 6:30am on Saturday morning. He is climbing it 65 times to mark 65 Roses Day, Cystic Fibrosis Ireland’s annual fundraising day.

Padraig tells RSVP that he started training for the feat about six weeks ago.

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“I decided to do it a while ago, I created the fundraiser, then I told my wife Priscilla. She said ‘you’re mad’. Maybe I should have picked something more manageable,” he laughs.

Cystic Fibrosis Ireland is a charity that is close to Padraig’s heart. Back in 2021, his first child Lucas was born with the condition. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is genetic and primarily affects the lungs and digestive system.

“Nobody really knows about CF until it lands at your door. My son Lucas was born with it. We met with the Cork University Hospital team who were great and explained the condition and what to expect.”

Lucas, Padraig's son, plays the piano.
Lucas, Padraig's son, plays the piano. Image courtesy of Padraig Carroll

After a while, the shock wore off, and Lucas, who is almost two, grew into a happy and bubbly toddler. “He is a very healthy, charming and happy little man. He loves people and is so sociable. He’s not afraid of anything. This is just something he needs to live with.

“We get up early, we do physio, give him his medication. If he has a cough we give him his nebuliser. It’s the same as parenting, just with an extra step.”

Last August, tragedy struck the family after their daughter Alice passed away at just three days old. This was due to complications relating to CF.

Lucas, Padraig's son, who has cystic fibrosis, is pictured wearing a coat outdoors. He is pushing a toy trolley.
Lucas, Padraig's son. Image courtesy of Padraig Carroll

“I felt like I needed to do something to cleanse my soul. I am raising awareness of cystic fibrosis and raising money as well,” Padraig said.

Padraig expects family and friends to cheer him on from the side lines tomorrow, and he’s hoping some of them may join him for a few trips up the hill. “Lucas will be there for a little while. He walked halfway up Patrick’s Hill holding our hands the other day. I am hoping it will be a bit of fun.”

The Cork man says even though there are sad parts to his family’s story, it doesn’t define them. “Our house is full of laughter. To any other newbies to CF - just know you are not alone.”

You can support Padraig’s fundraiser here.

Ireland has the highest rate of cystic fibrosis per capita in the world. About 34 new cases of cystic fibrosis are diagnosed each year (one in every 2,300 babies).

You can support Cystic Fibrosis Ireland on 65 Roses Day, Friday 14th April, by donating online at www.65Roses.ie or by buying a purple rose in Dunnes Stores or other participating outlets nationwide.

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