Brave Mayo student to abseil from Croke Park roof in fundraiser for rare skin condition

A courageous Mayo student living with a rare and painful genetic skin disease is preparing to abseil from the roof of Croke Park in a bold bid to raise €5,000 for charity.

Kate Cogan, 19, from Kilmovee, Co Mayo, lives with dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a severe form of a condition that is caused by the absence of essential proteins that bind the skin together.

She plans to take on the daring descent on June 27 to support Debra, the national charity dedicated to helping the approximately 300 people in Ireland affected by EB.

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“Abseiling terrifies me, but living with EB is even scarier,” said Kate, a first-year accountancy student at ATU Galway. “Having EB is uncomfortable – it's a challenge every day, and the abseil is quite a good representation of that. It sends the message that you can still get through those uncomfortable moments.”

Kate’s fundraising target will help provide a full year of psychosocial, emotional, and practical support for people and families living with EB through Debra’s outreach services. Last year alone, the charity made over 500 emotional support calls and completed more than 50 home visits across the country.

Her campaign also coincides with Mental Health Awareness Week (May 12–18), a cause close to Kate’s heart.

“I’ve been in and out of therapy since I was about 10 or 11,” she said. “I struggled an awful lot in secondary school and was bullied quite badly. At first, I saw therapy as a chore… but now I see that I needed to be in it. It helped me a lot.”

Kate credits her small village community in Kilmovee for being a vital source of strength throughout her life.

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“My primary school was amazing, there was support the whole way through. People say it takes a village to raise a child—and my community has always been really supportive and helpful.”

EB, often described as “butterfly skin,” due to the fragility of the skin, can cause both physical and emotional suffering. It is caused by a lack of the proteins that hold skin layers together, and its effects go far beyond the surface.

Deirdre Callis, Head of Family Support at Debra, said the charity’s services play a crucial role in easing the emotional toll of life with EB.

“We understand that living with EB can bring significant emotional and social challenges,” she said. “Our calls and community visits give people a rare chance to share what they are going through with someone who understands.”

Debra provides practical help with housing, healthcare, education access, community integration, and bereavement support, offering a lifeline to families across Ireland.

Kate hopes her challenge will inspire others and raise awareness for both EB and the importance of mental health support.

To support her fundraiser, visit: https://www.debra.ie/our-campaigns/kates-abseil/