Katelyn’s 50km walk raises €1,280 for the Irish Cancer Society
A LEAVING cert student from Terrerath showcased her caring nature recently when she raised €1,280 for the Irish Cancer Society by walking 50km in one day.
Katelyn Coleman (18), started her first 5km at 6.18 a.m. and by 7.20 p.m. that evening she had completed her 50km walk.
Commenting on her walk to this newspaper, Katelyn said it was a fundraiser that meant a lot to her because of the prevalence of cancer in society.
‘It can be found anywhere in the world,’ she said.
She undertook the walk to show the strength and courage of all cancer patients and to let them know they were not forgotten about during the pandemic.
In Katelyn’s family, there are four cancer survivors and unfortunately two deaths - her two grandmothers.
Katelyn never got to meet her Nanny Rossiter, who died from breast cancer at 51, and she was only seven months old when her Nanny Coleman passed away, aged 57. She died as a result of a spread of a tumour on her kidney.
Katelyn was very appreciative of everyone who donated to the Irish Cancer Society and she was thrilled to raise €1,280 as her target figure initially was €200.
She extended a special thanks to her parents, her sister Sarah and brother, Patrick, who took turns to accompany her on her 50km walk.
She also thanked her aunty Ciara for the balloons that helped encourage her and push her on, and for finishing work early to be there at the finish line.
Katelyn’s neighbours also played their part with their encouragement and they brought her drinks and treats to give her plenty of energy and keep her hydrated.
In particular, she wanted to acknowledge the support of: Amy Keating and the gang; Geraldine, Emma, Lauretta and Chloe (Aclaire girls), Johnny and Kathleen Larkin; Annette, Aoibheann and Cathal Hayes, and the Dunphy’s.
All of the money donated by her sponsors will go towards the extended hours of the Cancer Support Line, which now operates seven-days-a-week on 1800200700.
‘ They have developed tailored advice on coping with coronavirus for cancer patients and survivors and they have introduced remote counselling sessions for cancer patients that are unable to access face-to-face service,’ said Katelyn.