Mountains of Change – Over €34,000 raised, 127 hikes and one incredible fundraising campaign

Between the 19th and 25th May, Jack Fitzgerald took on the ambitious challenge of climbing the seven highest mountains in Ireland in seven days. On the final day of his hikes, Jack organised a national day of hikes across Ireland (and beyond) for people to not only show their support for his challenge but to stand in solidarity with survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse and raise awareness of the work of One in Four.

Speaking on his motivation to take on the challenge Jack said:

“When I started counselling in One in Four I never imagined I would be in a position to use my voice and experience to do something like this. I feel immense gratitude that I have had the opportunity to process the abuse I endured as a child and I hope to show other survivors that this doesn’t have to be something you carry on your own”

Thanks to the support of media and content creators, Jack was able to share his story of hope and healing far and wide to raise awareness of his experience as a survivor and highlight the vital work of One in Four. We want to say a particular thank you to the Ready to be Real podcast with Síle Seoige, The Irish Examiner, Ireland AM, Kerry’s Eye, Radio Kerry, East Coast FM, Gay Community News (GCN) and We Act Ireland for helping to promote Mountains of Change whilst providing Jack with the platform to share his inspirational story.

On 25th May as Jack climbed Carrauntoohil for his final hike, nearly 130 hikes took place across Ireland, the US, the UK and beyond. The solidarity shown by these hikers was met with incredible generosity from over 900 donors who contributed towards the cause. Over €34,000 was raised to show support for survivors and for the work of One in Four.

We are deeply grateful to Jack for creating a movement for good, helping to shatter the stigma of childhood sexual abuse and raising crucial funds to support the work of our therapy and advocacy teams.

If you feel inspired by Jack’s Mountains of Change fundraiser and want to organise an event of your own (no matter how big or small), please get in touch with Roisin at roisin@oneinfour.ie