David’s 200 mile walk to aid the MS society

April 1994

AN ENGLISHMAN living in Kerry is undertaking a pilgrimage with a difference next month to help Multiple Sclerosis sufferers. David Marriott, who lives in Caherciveen, is planning to walk 200 miles across the mountainous tracks of northern Spain in a bid to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland.

His route will take him from Pamplona, in the northeast, along a path known as the ‘Pilgrims’ Way’ because it leads to the burial place of St James in Santiago, on Spain’s west coast.

The money he raises will help the society to provide support and services to the 3,500 Irish Multiple Sclerosis sufferers and their families.

David said he has only done a little hillwalking before, but he is currently training hard for two-and-a-half hours every day on the Kerry Way and other mountain paths around Caherciveen.

In Spain, he will be expected to cover 20 — 25 miles a day along with the other 40 walkers from all over Ireland who are also undertaking the walk.

Each walker must raise £2,250 sponsorship before undertaking the walk.

A fund raising concert to be held in Scott’s Dome, Killarney on Monday, May 2 is aimed at helping David to reach his target.

The concert will feature Irish traditional music and early Baroque music and dances played by the Kerry Youth Orchestra, the Iveragh Youth Orchestra and the Killarney School of Music Youth Orchestra.

South Kerry based music teacher Adolf F Packeiser, who is originally from Bremen, Germany, will arrange and conduct the musical selection. The Gleneagle Junior Band will also perform, conducted by Aidan Lynch.

Ann Cashman (St Paul’s) thrown off balance in this jump for possession in the ladies open final. On the left id is team-mate Mary Nash and on right is Joanne Walmsley (St Mary’s).