Hayfield Family Collection Sales Director, Karen Fleming, will join a group of 20 Irish businesswoman as they set off to conquer the Arctic in a survival challenge in March. This will involve a five-day trek 150km north of the Arctic Circle. Following two days training in outdoor survival skills, the group will trek into Finland's Yllas national park, where they will camp outdoors overnight in temperatures as low as minus 27 degrees Celsius. This Arctic challenge is in aid of the charity DEBRA Ireland which supports 300 people in Ireland living with the hugely distressing butterfly skin condition EB (epidermolysis bullosa).
Of their mission plans, Karen Fleming stated, "While undertaking the training, the fundraising and ultimately this formidable trek is daunting for both of us, it is nothing in comparison to the survival challenges overcome daily by those living with EB and by those caring for them’.
Karen will be joined by fellow Cork businesswoman, Emma Kenneally, Head of Marketing at Voxpro and they have decided to join forces on their fundraising mission! Each person taking part in the challenge have a remit to raise a minimum of €5,500. Karen & Emma have a number of fundraising initiatives ahead of her trip. The first of which was a screening of the Christmas movie ‘Elf’ which took place on the 16th December at Great Southern Killarney. The event was sponsored by the hotel with all proceeds going to DEBRA Ireland. Prior to the movie Junior Guests indulged in popcorn, candyfloss, homemade hot chocolate and sweet treats. Adults soaked up the seasonal atmosphere with a glass of homemade mulled wine and relaxed in the Great Room foyer with some light festive entertainment. Christmas jumpers a-plenty were in evidence by hosts, staff and attendees alike, with Christmas carols, Debra Butterfly tattoos & balloons all adding to the fun of the day, culminating in a visit from the man himself Santa Claus!
The second fundraising initiative, a half day Health & Happiness Retreat, was held in Hayfield Manor on Jan 20th and again was fully sponsored by Hayfield Family Collection and event partners on the day. The morning commenced with a healthy breakfast in Perrotts Garden Bistro, followed by a Pilates session with Julette Jones of Flex in the City, a yoga session with Jean Noonan of Anam Solas Yoga and finished with mindfulness and meditation with Michelle Hardwick of Release Peace before guests were invited to enjoy tea, coffee, tasty treats & chats on departure. In total over €4,000 was raised with all proceeds going to DEBRA Ireland.
Due to popular demand & selling out the initial Health & Happiness Retreat in record time, another Half Day event is now taking place on Sunday Feb 3rd, hosted once more at Hayfield Manor in collaboration with co-sponsors. Tickets are €59.00 per person and can be purchased
here.
To follow Karen's fundraising activities, training highlights and other updates about this exciting expedition, please click
please click here.