The family of an 11-month-old boy who has been hospitalised since he was born at only 26 weeks are to take on an immense challenge for Crumlin Children's Hospital.
Mairead Fitzgerald, along with Peter, Molly, Sara and 36 people from GNS Fitness is set to take on the four highest peaks of Ireland over three days in support of her nephew Tom as he turns one-year-old.
Little Tom - known affectionately as "Tom Bomb" - was born weighing just 1lb 3oz at the National Maternity Hospital and his lungs were underdeveloped.
He has chronic lung disease and requires oxygen support at all times. He also has feeding and reflux issues and is fed via a tube directly into his stomach.
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Tom receives fantastic medical and nursing care around the clock at Our Lady's Hospital in Crumlin and works hard daily with physio, speech and language and occupational therapists and dietitians.
Mairead and her family and friends now hope to raise funds for the children's hospital, and have already smashed their target of €5,000.
They will take on the challenge from June 7 to 9, climbing Carrauntoohil in Co Kerry, Mweelrea in Co Mayo, Slieve Donard in Co Down and Lugnaquilla in Co Wicklow.
A GoFund me in support of the challenge for Tom and Crumlin Children's Hospital shows that almost €9,000 has been raised for the cause.
It says: "Through the support and genuine love of the staff of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in the National Maternity Hospital and Our Lady's Childrens Hospital Crumlin, and his own feisty, strong-willed determination, little Tom has continued to bomb on.
"As his family, we are so very proud of all that he has overcome. We are waiting for the day we bring our little hero, Tom Bomb, home."
You can find out more about Tom's story, the four tops for Tom challenge and how to donate here.
