SUMMIT SPECIAL

Doctor climbs highest peaks in all 32 counties over a week in sister-in-law's memory that's....

- CILLIAN SHERLOCK

A SENIOR doctor climbed the highest peaks in Ireland’s 32 counties in just a week as a tribute to his late sister-in-law. 

Richard Horgan, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, completed the fundraising challenge almost five years after his wife’s youngest sister Orla Gosnell died aged just 38.

The father-of-three, who is in his 40s, completed the gruelling task to raise money for Cork University Maternity Hospital, through the CUH Charity.

It’s hoped the proceeds from the mammoth trek will help create dedicated spaces for patients and staff.

Ms Gosnell, who was a social care worker, died just weeks after delivering her fifth child at CUMH.

As Dr Horgan descended the final peak – the 918-metre Galtymore on the Limerick/Tipperary border – on Saturday, he said: “What a fantastic week.

“It has been challenging and brilliant. I think if Orla could see us now, she’d be crying happy tears.”

He was joined by Orla’s husband Robert and parents Myriam and Kees on his final descent.

Cork-based Dr Horgan, who has previously conquered Kilimanjaro, set an initial target of €10,000.