Charity walk
A 10-YEAR- OLD Inistioge girl held a hugely successful walk in memory of her wonderful mother, who passed away last month, raising €620 for LauraLynn children’s charity.
From the heartbreak of losing her mother on May 22 (aged 39), Ruby Quigley Malone decided she wanted to do something positive in her memory, organising a charity event with her friend Olivia Muldowney (9).
The word went out on WhatsApp messages and every house in the Ballyshane area, where Ruby lives with her father Brian and sister Jade (20), turned out to enjoy a 6km stroll together on a beautiful summer’s afternoon on Thursday.
Originally from Carlow, Ruby moved with her family to Ballyshane, close to where her father’s family hail from, last year.
The walk started from the Arch in Killeen continuing along the Ballyshane road.
Olivia’s mother Bridget Hennessy said: ‘ The walk was great. All of the children got involved and made posters. Ruby said she wanted to do something for the families of children who are going through tough times. It was a huge boost for her and it once again showed the solidarity within the community, who are united in support behind Brian, Jade and Ruby.’
She said Ruby and her friends decided to put a cap of €20 on donations as they didn’t want to put any financial pressure on their neighbours, even refusing a €50 donation from one family.
The girls, who are going into fourth class in Inistioge NS this September, said they thoroughly enjoyed the day and are considering making the walk an annual fundraising event.
Bridget said: ‘People enjoyed having the chat and catching up after the lockdown. We invited everyone to bring treats so there was a big treat table and the children dog goodie bags going home.
‘Our original target was €250 so to get €620 was amazing and LauraLynn were thrilled. They have invited the girls up to show them what they do and the difference fundraising event like this make.’