An Ennis man is hoping his exercises of 100 pull-ups per day up will give vulnerable children a needed lift in the months ahead.
Twenty seven year old, Michael Casey is completed 100 pull-ups every day for a period of 100 days to raise funds and awareness of ISPCC Childline. To date, over €3,000 has been donated to his fundraiser. He has increased the amount of foam rolling as he now is six weeks into the challenge.
Continued lockdowns have increased the need for financial support for Childline, Michael stated. An increase in calls and messages have been recorded by the charity with children and teenagers reaching out for a multitude of reasons. “Children have been neglected during this pandemic and they are not immune to mental health problems,” he flagged and referenced how their day to day routine has been “completely uprooted”.
“Childline is a fantastic charity that helps vulnerable children and teenagers who feel like they have no one else to turn to when times are tough. Due to the pandemic, Childline are unable to raise funds in their normal manner and will rely on online donations to keep them going,” Casey explained. On average, Childline is receiving 800 contacts per day with demand for the service increasing
Daily videos are being posted by Michael on social media to keep supporters updated. He was hopeful further donations would be made as his efforts continue. “We, as a nation, have always been strongest and most resilient when we have been together and I believe a cause like this will help people come together in doing something good for a wonderful charity”.
Michael who works in Cahercalla Daycare Centre decided in November he wanted to do a fundraiser for Childline with the original intention to complete it at Spartan Fitness Gym on the Gort Rd in Ennis which would encourage more individuals to get involved. As the gyms remain closed, he has done the first forty three days of the challenge at home and on the monkey bars at The Fair Green.
“Especially in times like this it is essential to give back to people, if we do want to pull out of this storm we need to give back to those people less well off and in vulnerable positions,” Michael told The Clare Echo.
He has encouraged the people of Clare to do 100 pullups a day, fellow Clare men, Jake O’Loughlin and Eoin Dobbin are among those to also take on the challenge along with groups in Cork. Exercise is vital for individuals struggling during the lockdown, Michael maintained. “It’s so important not to let the days go by without doing something to be active. We will get through this lockdown, and exercise will ensure you will get through it in a much healthier and happier place”.
DONATE: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/11395706_100-pullups-a-day-for-100-days.html
