Press Release
10-day hike – with a difference (21st May –31st May 2013)
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The “Wicklow Horizon”, a fundraising hike, began on Tuesday May 21 in Dublin’s Marley Mark.
Participants are walking 15 km. a day, sleeping in tents, and aim to reach the top of Lugnaquilla mountain (925 m) after 10 days. Ten people with disabilities from Poland’s Jasiek Mela Foundation are participating.
The aim of the walk is to:
· raise funds for new prosthetic limbs;
· increase public awareness about the potential of people with disabilities and the importance for them of active social involvement.
The group, who have flown in from Poland, also take part in the fifth Annual Children’s Day celebration which is being held in the Polish School at St. Benildus College in Stillorgan. This year’s theme is the Social Integration of People with Disabilities. The group will share their hiking experience, present a slide-show and tell their stories. Children will get an opportunity to meet disabled people who, despite their physical disabilities, actively pursue their interests with much drive and passion. We hope their stories will spur young people – with or without disabilities – to chase their dreams and to understand the importance of building an inclusive society.
Jasiek Mela Foundation “Poza Horyzonty”
Poza Horyzonty (Beyond the Horizon) was founded in 2008 by Jasiek Mela, the youngest ever amputee to explore the North and South Pole. Focused on the social inclusion of people with disabilities, the Foundation has to date run climbing expeditions to Elbrus Mountain, entered a team in the New York City Marathon and climbed El Capitan mountain in California as well as running a number of smaller projects in Poland.
The Foundation’s aims are to:
· offer legal aid and psychological support;
· raise money for prosthetics to facilitate independent living by people who have lost a limb.
About Jasiek Mela, founder and first chairperson of the Foundation
At the age of 13, Jasiek Mela lost his left leg below the knee and right forearm in a terrible accident. However, thanks to the support of family and friends, he rebuilt his self-confidence and a sense of hope. In 2004 he was the first amputee ever to reach the North and South Poles. His example has encouraged many people facing challenges after limb amputation, inspiring them to strive to achieve their dreams.
Martynka Karbowska
Martynka Karbowska (aged 10) from Brodnica in Poland is under the care of the Foundation. She was born with no legs, elbow dysfunction and other challenges but is growing with the aid of rehabilitation and special artificial legs. The Foundation aims to meet an €8,000 bill towards her rehabilitation.
Note to Editors:
· Available for interview Tel. 087 287 1209.
· All enquiries to office@plachecki.pl