Geashill man beats mountain for charity

A Geashill man has returned home safe after climbing to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of charity. Tommy Spollen, who ran a number of successful fundraisers to help raise funds for the Irish charity Childaid, described the trip as a "great experience". "I met some people that will be friends for life," he said. "We visited a school, a rehab centre for street kids and two hospitals which Childaid help to fund." Tommy and the gang took five days to climb up the mountain and then two to get back down. "The last couple of days on the way up were tough but I am happy that I made it," he added. Tommy would like to express his thanks to everyone who gave money to his fundriasing events, donated prizes or helped out in any way.