A KAYAK may be the last thing you’d expect to see being carried in the high Mournes, but that’s exactly what’s going to happen this Sunday.
The ICU Slieve Donard Walk has been organised to raise funds for the intensive care unit at the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald.
The purpose of the charity event is also to raise awareness of Weil’s disease — a waterborne infection that has devastating effects on the human body which is caused by rats urine in the water.
Charity event organiser, Mr. John Surginor, who is from Downpatrick, explained his friend Harry Russell, a keen canoeist and outdoor pursuits instructor, contacted the disease on a river.
“Harry, who lives in Crossgar, was admitted to the intensive care unit at the Ulster and was seriously ill. Thankfully, he’s now making a recovery,” John explained.
“Our event in the Mournes is to raise some funds to support the good work done by the hospital’s ICU unit and also raise awareness of this deadly disease.”
John, who himself is a keen hiker and climber, explained that as there’s a particular danger to those using rivers and waterways, the idea came to carry a Kayak to the summit of Slieve Donard — the highest point in Northern Ireland — to highlight the disease.
He added: “The main thrust of our initiative is raise awareness about Weil’s disease. We would also like to see signs erected at areas which are heavily used for recreational water sports, warning people about the dangers of the disease.”
Meanwhile Harry revealed that after contracting the disease, he suffered multiple organ failure and was in a coma for two weeks.
“Initially, I thought I had a bad ‘flu and was confined to bed for a week. But my condition deteriorated and I had trouble breathing and ended up at the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald via the Downe in Downpatrick,” he revealed.
“I also had to have dialysis for 14 days and was really ill. I have been an outdoor pursuits instructor for many years and while there are signs along waterways in other parts of the UK warning people about Weil’s disease, there are none in Northern Ireland. This is a situation John and I want to see changed.”
Harry said it’s essential people involved in water sports or who use waterways for recreational purposes should be fully aware about Weil’s disease as early detection is vital.
People wishing to make a donation towards this weekend’s fundraising initiative can do so by contacting John at john.surginor@gmail.com. The entry fee for taking part in what’s being billed as the “walk with a difference” is £25.