Featured photo by Brid Sweeney
Inspirational Gweedore boy Rory McDevitt has completed an amazing journey to the top of ‘the big mountain’ – Errigal.
Rory, aged six, reached the summit today with the support of his dad Alan, mum Claire Louise and a wide circle of family and friends cheering him on.
Despite the wind and the rain, the family stepped up to the mighty challenge to raise funds for Little Blue Heroes and for three families in need.
Rory always wanted to get to the top of the ‘big mountain’ that he could see from his homeplace at Sheskinbeg. His feat today was all the more impressive considering that Rory has life-limiting disabilities and significant health challenges. However, he has displayed immense bravery many times before and inspires his local community every day.
Such is his bravery that Rory was appointed as an honorary member of An Garda Siochana through the Little Blue Heroes charity initiative three years ago.
Rory McDevitt. Photo: Brid Sweeney
Photo: Brid Sweeney
Rory, Alan and Claire Louise had the support of his garda colleagues, Donegal Mountain Rescue, paramedics led by Brian Ferry and Bunbeg sergeant John Joe McClafferty as they took on the climb.
Alan carried Rory on his back for the entire 751m. Meanwhile, Claire Louise carried Rory’s feed and hydration equipment and monitors.
“Rory was great, he coped well and was so happy and excited and continuously encouraged by supporters,” Claire Louise told Donegal Daily.
“It went really well. The weather looked clear but we were met with some high winds and rain and at a point we did look like we’d have to turn back. However, we kept going with a few stops to administer medications and to check Rory, allowing Dad and myself to take a breath also.”
At the top, Rory placed a beautifully painted stone with his name and the date. The commemorative stone was made by Grace, a local Garda team member.
Photo: Brid Sweeney
The grande finale saw Rory taking his own steps with an all-terrain walker. There was great joy and excitement as Rory stepped off the mountain himself and celebrated with his supporters on the ground.
Among the supporters were two other Little Blue Heroes from Donegal – Honorary Sergeant Jack Beatie and Honorary Garda Jack Donaghey who made it extra special.
Little Blue Heroes Jack Beattie, Rory McDevitt and Jack Donaghy. Photo: Brid Sweeney
Photo: Brid Sweeney
Photo: Brid Sweeney
Photo: Brid Sweeney
None of today’s achievements would have been possible if it weren’t for the support of so many people, Claire Louise and Alan said.
They would like to say a huge thanks to ‘Rory’s little helpers’ who provided hot soup, sandwiches, scones, tea, coffee and refreshments at base. Also to the team in Ionad Naomh Padraig Dobhair for providing a space for everyone to gather and take in all that had just happened with family and friends comfortably afterwards. Carol Mulhern provided some fab Bravo Bear face painting.
Rory’s celebration at Ionad Naomh Padraig. Photo: Brid Sweeney
“Huge shout out to Garda Siobhan Campbell, Rory’s garda buddy, who assisted us in the planning and prep and getting us to this stage and was on hand on the ground today to make sure all was organised for us coming down, along with Garda Catherine Healy and her family who came along to support with posters banners and assistance in organising,” Claire said.
Donations from Rory’s challenge will go towards Little Blue Heroes, a children’s charity voluntarily led by gardaí. He’ll also be helping some lovely friends and individual little heroes who are raising funds for much-needed equipment and adaptions.
You can still donate online and all support is gratefully accepted here: https://www.idonate.ie/crowdfunder/Rorysclimb4heroes
