Miriam gets behind epic children's charity push

Adventurer Mike O'Shea has trekked across Polar icecaps and some of the world's most unforgiving terrain, but this will be his toughest challenge yet.

The Kerryman will be joined by Tony Heffernan, who founded the national children's ambulance service, along with his wife Mary of the Saoirse Foundation and a team of volunteers to help them complete the 355km challenge.

The Bumbleance Mega Push, which aims to raise €250,000 and put two more child-friendly interactive ambulances on the road, was launched by charity patron Miriam.

The group will set off from Dingle, Co Kerry, on September 10 and hope reach St Stephen's Green 10 days later. They will push the ambulance over the Conor Pass before going through towns and villages including Castleisland, Adare and Kill before reaching Dublin.

overwhelming

Mike got behind the charity when he heard about the Bumbleance's 'Angel Trips' - the last journey a terminally-ill child will take to or from hospital.

"This was the project for me. All funds raised will go towards the purchase of a new ambulance, and two if we can make it happen," he said.

Mary and Tony's son Liam (5) made his own trip aboard the Bumbleance shortly before he died in May from the extremely rare and fatal Batten's Disease which also claimed the life of his older sister Saoirse (5).

"The positive effect that Bumbleance has had on the sickest of Irish children has been overwhelming, so much so that it is now a priority to get two more Bumbleances," Tony said.

Members of the public can get behind Bumbleance by texting BUZZ to 50300 to donate €4. Volunteers are welcome to join the team along the route and can get involved by calling 083 0044444.

hnews@herald.ie