David celebrates completing 1000kms
DUNDALK MAN HAS WALKED AND RUN 1000KMS FOR PIETA HOUSE FUNDRAISER
It was the end of a mammoth trek for Dundalk man David McGee as he celebrated reaching the finish line on his 1000 kilometre epic journey.
David, who set out to raise €500 for Pieta House said he was ‘ overwhelmed’ at the support, which has so far seen over €6,500 donated.
With over 900 kilometres under his belt last weekend, David told the Argus it was an emotional end to the month long challenge.
‘I had fifty kilometres to clock up on Sunday to make the 1,000km. So I got up at 5.30am, prepped and got moving for 6.30am.’
‘ The goal was to get to 40km by 3pm, so I could rest, then start my final 10k at 6pm. I was joined by family and friends hitting the 1,000 just after 7.30pm.’
Although it was largely a solitary trek, where he was joined by his pet supporters, dogs Cody and Watson, David was also accompanied on some stretches by local people who helped boost his morale.
None more so than a group of over twenty former Dundalk rugby club players, who awaited him on Blackrock on Saturday morning.
‘We had a truly wonderful walk from Blackrock, Haggardstown, spending some time in Killally Graveyard where Brendan Cunningham gave us some of the history about it and how his family began the project to restoring it. It’s an amazing site and a great part of our local history,’ David explained.
‘Before we left, the great Johnny McCabe gave us a song. We continued on through town and made our way back to Blackrock. Finishing off with a few coffees and cakes. Was great to see these lads getting together and catching up.’
The phenomenal distance covered during the challenge has seen David virtually trek from Dundalk to Drogheda, Cork, London, Dunkirk, Paris and on to Hamburg.
He joked: ‘If anyone has any connections in Ryanair, Aer Lingus or any other airlines, I’d love a flight home!’
He paid tribute to all those who have supported him along the way, including physio Eamonn O Muircheartaigh, who he said had been ‘unbelievable in helping me to get to this point.’
‘What I have learnt over the last few weeks is that this challenge is so applicable to mental health in every way. You need professionals to help get you through it. I wouldn’t be still going, only for a group of amazing physios. You need support of friends and family. The texts, calls, joining me for runs/walks etc. Not every day is the same, some were a bigger struggle than others.’
David had originally begun running and walking his way to the 1000 kilometres goal, but having sustained an injury, he had to make the decision to walk for the remainder of the journey
‘ The big thing though I realised is you have to visualise the finish line. You have to really want to get there. The majority of this challenge I had been on my own, I’ve loved it, but the fact is, you’re going to be going through most of a challenge like this by yourself. So it’s all about using the power of your mind to keep fighting and knowing you’re going to get there.’