Galway hotel worker's gruelling fundraisers for the benefit of mental health charity
A Galway hotel worker has put his body through gruelling tests — to raise more than €24,000 for the Mental Health Ireland charity.
Fundraiser and endurance athlete Basil MacLeod has undertaken a series of extraordinary physical challenges designed to inspire resilience and raise awareness around mental health.
Last year, Basil, who works at the Maldron Hotel in Oranmore, embarked on his first major challenge — running an incredible four marathons across four different counties over just five days.
Not one to stop there, he went on to complete an even more demanding feat: a 100km ultramarathon through the Sahara Desert.
This extreme endurance event required participants to carry all of their own essential supplies, including all of the food and water they needed, as well as sleeping equipment and safety gear, across harsh desert terrain.
Basil chose to support Mental Health Ireland because of his strong belief that mental health challenges affect people of all ages.
Through his fundraising efforts, he has succeeded in his original aim to send a powerful message — that no matter how difficult life may feel or how insurmountable your problems may seem, challenges can be faced and overcome.
Basil’s efforts were strongly supported by his local community in Louisburgh, Co Mayo, as well as the Maldron Hotel, where his workplace hosted a fundraising event that contributed over €2,000 to the total.
Through his efforts, Basil has helped raise awareness for mental health within his community
Mental Health Ireland has expressed its gratitude to Basil for his dedication, determination, and outstanding achievement in raising such a significant amount.
“We are extremely proud of Basil for taking on two extraordinary challenges in aid of Mental Health Ireland,” Louise Connolly, Fundraising Officer for Mental Health Ireland, said.
“Through his efforts, Basil has helped raise awareness for mental health within his community, and we are grateful to him for all funds raised and to everyone who donated.
“His generosity helps Mental Health Ireland to continue promoting mental health through our campaigns, literature, and programmes – all the time working towards an Ireland where mental health is understood, valued, and supported as an essential part of everyone’s health,” she added.