CRITICAL, Ireland’s leading emergency medical charity, has accepted a cheque from
Cork broadcaster Isabel Bartak-Healy, who undertook a 120km trek across the Spanish
Camino to raise funds for the charity.
Isabel, Izzy Showbizzy of Cork’s 96FM, raised €2,700 through her fundraising page
which is going towards the expansion of the charity’s teams of volunteer responders.
It was CRITICAL’s third annual Camino fundraiser in which people were required to
either walk 120km or cycle 300km to raise funds for the charity. CRITICAL volunteers
responded to more than 830 calls so far this year including cardiac arrests and road
traffic collisions.
The charity has a growing network of responders operating in cities, towns and villages.
The volunteers include doctors, medical professionals and local community members
who attend serious incidents and emergencies in their areas.
David Tighe, CEO of CRITICAL said: “A heartfelt thank you to Izzy, fellow walkers and
the cyclists for their time and commitment to complete the trip. You have all been
amazing! Together with everyone at CRITICAL we appreciate all your efforts and your
fundraising. A sincere thank you to everyone who donated. It costs €1,500 to provide a
responder with an emergency backpack containing a defibrillator, a resuscitation kit and
a medical diagnostic kit. The funds raised will enable us to carry on our vital work and
expand our services to more of Ireland.”
The trip began in Logrono in northern Spain and travelled through undulating farmland
and vineyards, passing castles, monasteries and medieval villages. Spending nights in
Najera in the famous wine-making region of La Rioja, Santo Domingo de la Calzada,
Belorado and Atapuerca before finishing in Burgos.
Isabel Bartak-Healy said:. “Even though it was tough at times, I’m delighted to have
raised the money for CRITICAL and complete the trip. I was surrounded by a wonderful
group of people and it’s good to challenge yourself at times, too. CRITICAL provides a
crucial service to local communities and public funds are essential to continue the work
and grow the network of volunteer responders around the country. I’m so grateful to
everyone who donated on my fundraiser page. I’m thrilled with the response. It was an
incredible experience – one I will never forget.”
