Departing FOR Mount Everest to morrow in an attempt to become the highest man in the midlands is Seamus Mullally, an ESB clerical officer, who will try to reach the base camp on the world's highest mountain.
Seamus, who suffered a brain tumour in 1991, will be taking part in the Everest Challenge, which has been organised in conjunction with the Irish Brain Research Foundation and the National Council for the Blind.
From Rosecourt in Portarlington, Seamus will leave his wife, Jean, and their six-year-old son, Steven, at home when he participates in the adventure of a lifetime.
"I will be one of a smaller group which will leave the main party and head 17,000 feet up the side of the mountain, which is located in the Himalayas on the China-Nepal frontier", said Seamus, who works in the ESB power station at Rhode, Co Offaly.
This is not the first time that Seamus has gone climbing abroad. Two years ago he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa which, at 19,364 feet, is the highest mountain on that continent.
"I suffered very badly from altitude sickness on that trip, so I will be watching myself this time", Seamus said. "I hope it doesn't happen again, because it is very sickening and can even kill."
Seamus has been undergoing a very strict training routine for the Everest climb. He recently attended a special training camp in Co Kerry to brush up on fitness techniques.
"We will be carrying our own food, so that will cause us some problems on the walk, but I feel I am well enough prepared for what is coming up", he said.
Seamus accepts that there are dangers involved in the adventure, but he is looking forward to the challenges and is confident of being able to cope. "There is no point in starting to worry about things like that. Just get on with it", he said.
The main aim of the adventure is to raise funds for the Irish Brain Research Foundation. Seamus has already reached his target figure of £3,500.
When Seamus left Beaumont Hospital in Dublin after treatment for a brain tumor he made a decision to put something back into research. That's what this current adventure is all about.
Next year Seamus intends to head for the Andes in South America to continue his fund-raising activities.