Mary experiencing ‘phenomenal support’ as she continues her Lap of the Map run
ARKLOW runner Mary Nolan Hickey is on day 31 of her now-famous Lap of the Map in aid of the RNLI.
Mary, who was making the most of a rare rest day in County Sligo yesterday (Tuesday) said that she is thoroughly enjoying the challenge to date and is delighted that, so far, she is ahead of schedule.
‘I am pleased to say that it is going really well. I haven’t had the nicest weather but it is getting better and, with the longer evenings, I only had to run in the dark twice so far,’ she said.
Mary (65) has already covered over 900km of an estimated 3,000km as she runs, walks and hikes around the coast of Ireland to raise funds for the RNLI.
‘I thought it would be a complete solo run but the support I have received has been phenomenal. The people of Ireland have been so warm and welcoming and supportive and I have had a great welcome in many communties. I also enjoyed having runners, both individual and from clubs, join me along the way,’ she said.
Mary, who has a great team behind her at home in Arklow plotting her course, said that she is trying to visit as many Lifeboat stations as possible, the most recent one being Sligo Bay Lifeboat Station.
‘ The RNLI is the reason I am doing this so I am trying to visit as many stations as possible,’ she said.
Today ( Wednesday) marks day 31 of Mary’s journey and will see her set off from Sligo town to reach Templeboy by evening. She hopes to have reached Ballina by the end of the day on Thursday.
She has already raised close to €9,000 and the challenge is only one third of the way finished.
Anyone who wishes to make a donation can do so through Mary’s ‘Everyday Hero’ fundraising page.
Further details are posted daily on Facebook on RNLI Lap of the Map.