AN IRISH WOMAN has died while attempting to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to fundraise for the Irish Heart Foundation in memory of her late father.
Majella Duffy, 35 from Rathcormac Co. Cork, died suddenly on Friday, July 14, at 8.15am Tanzania local time, a representative from her climbing group confirmed.
Ms Duffy had departed Ireland earlier this month with a team of fellow climbers for the ascent.
Earth's Edge, a Dublin based adventure tour agent Ms Duffy had been climbing with, said: "A client of ours has passed away on the 14th July 2017 at 8.15am local time while on Kilimanjaro.
"Our thoughts and condolences are with her family. We will provide further information on this incident in due course."
Ms Duffy is survived by her mother, stepfather, grandmother and step siblings.
Ms Duffy, who worked for insurance company Laya Healthcare and was a keen athlete and fitness model, fundraised both online and in her local community ahead of the climb saying, losing her father to a heart attack 16 years ago turned her life 'upside down.'
"I lost my dad who was only 47 years old to a massive heart attack 15 years ago. My entire life turned upside down in just a few minutes and was never going to be the same again.
"The Irish Heart Foundation is the national charity fighting heart disease and stroke, with over 92 per cent funded by public donations.
"Please help me help them by giving whatever you can using the 'Give Now' button. The more people that know about Irish Heart Foundation, the greater their impact, so please also spread the word by sharing my page with your friends and family."
NRG Xpress gym in Cork, with whom Ms Duffy, pictured below left, was a member and had previously wished her well in the climb, paid tribute to the late athlete and 'kind spirit.'
We would like to wish Majella Duffy the very best of luck in climbing Kilimanjaro over the next couple of days and...
Posted by NRG Xpress on Saturday, 8 July 2017
"All of us enter the weekend with a heavy heart after finding out the news that one of our beloved members Majella Duffy sadly has passed away while taking on the challenge of climbing Kilimanjaro while also raising over €8,000 for the Irish Heart Foundation.
"We have no words to describe how much her kind spirit, determination and strong mind will be missed. Our thoughts are with her family and friends."
Glanworth GAA and Harbour Rovers GAA also paid tribute to the local Cork woman, who had previously held a gold fundraiser with the clubs.
"It was with extreme shock yesterday evening we learned of the sudden passing of Majella Duffy whilst on a charity fundraiser abroad in honour of her late father Mick, a former player with our club.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this sad time.
"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam."
