A Fermanagh man is set to take on new heights at Fair Head, County Antrim, ditching his bed to spend a night sleeping out in a suspended portaledge with the hope of raising funds to help young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Paul Kellagher, children’s services manager for Action for Children, is boycotting his bed on 9th July for the second year running, scaling new heights this year, ditching his duvet to sleep on a portaledge suspended from a 100-metre cliff at Fair Head in County Antrim.

The location, also known as ‘Dragonstone’ to Game of Thrones fans, will provide a challenging spot for Paul to boycott his bed as he joins hundreds of others across the UK in support of Action for Children.

The annual fundraiser, taking place on Friday, July 9, sees children, families, friends and colleagues sleeping out in the most unusual places they can think of to raise money for vulnerable children across the UK.

Paul Kellagher is one of Ireland's most experienced mountaineers and no stranger to heights, with wide experience mountaineering in the Alps and Mont Blanc. However, he explains, taking a portaledge to a height of 100-metres is a new venture for him, but one that he believes will help him make a huge difference to the lives of those who need it most.

“In the last year our services have gone above and beyond to support young people through the pandemic. Our voluntary income from donations has made a real difference supporting young people’s mental health and a range of other additional needs that arose as a result of the pandemic.

“Unfortunately, we continue to see ever increasing child poverty which has been exacerbated by the pandemic. This year I’ll be sleeping out to continue to support those who have been affected by the pandemic, in particular young people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.”

Action for Children provide services across Northern Ireland, with Paul working in the Fermanagh and Omagh area. As well as raising funds for the charity, Paul also hopes to raise awareness of the issues for young people who are homeless.

“Locally here in Fermanagh and Omagh we have services that work with young people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless."

This year Paul will be supported by some of Ireland's top climbers, as well as novice, Barry Smyth, Managing Director at MCS Group who was so impressed by Paul’s efforts last year that he wanted to take on the challenge himself.

Anyone wishing to support Paul can do so at his Just Giving page: bit.ly/3pvVCu9.