Best foot forward for Kanturk Cope walk

OVER the last eight years the annual sponsored walk in aid of the Cope Foundation in Kanturk has raised over €65,000.

The walk as many will know was started by the Higgin’s family. When Margaret’s sister, Julia Mary Dunne passed away, they wanted to do something to pay tribute and to help the Cope Foundation for the true love and attention which was showered on Julia Mary when she was with them.

The rest, as they say is history, as over the last eight years, the Cope Foundation through the kindness and support of so many people has raised over €65,000 for which they are truly proud.

The money which has been raised has gone towards a host of different projects at the Cope Residential unit in Kanturk. Last year, a portion of it was spent developing a sensory walk at the rear of the unit for the residents. It is hoped that from this years walk, the sensory walk will be tarmaced to completely finish off the project.

As always in addition to the four mile walk which will kick off at 2.30pm on Sunday, July 16, there is also the seven mile run or indeed walk if anyone wants to which will kick off at 2pm.

The highlight of the day is the barbecue which awaits all the runners and walks at the finishing line.

Last year, as remarked by Louise Cremin, who is the secretary of the committee which organises the walk, she said they had 300 people who enjoyed the festivities which included live music and face-painting to keep the kiddies entertained.

This year, Louise said they are truly delighted to have Jerry and Mary O’Riordan along with Tim Browne who will keep the toe tapping at full strength with their live music. And once again this year, Aileen Lehane and her troupe will do the face-painting.

“Each year, we are very glad to say that due to the enormous generosity of businesses and individuals we have been able to keep our expenditure to the day to an absolute minimum. All the food and drinks for the day have been generously donated or sponsored,” she said.

She said that everybody is invited to attend the great day of fun and there is no entry fee but donations on the day can be made.