MARATHON WALKERS!
A group of 20 walkers are taking on the journey of a lifetime to help raise funds for the Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre. They will spend 10 days traversing the country – from Galway to Baltray.
20 INTREPID walkers will go through the pain barrier in a 10-day trek from Clarinbridge in Galway to Baltray - all in aid of the Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre.
The walkers met up for the first time last week at the centre -and are determined to make the event an overwhelming success for the centre, which has never been busier.
Upwards of €400,000 is needed annually to maintain services at the Georges Street haven, which are free of charge to those dealing with a cancer prognosis.
It has taken some three years to plot the trip and much of it will be ‘off road’ - allowing the walkers to see the delights of the country - but at the same time, giving the organisers a real headache - even down to where they can stop for the cup of tea!
Ann Tracey from the centre says she can’t thank the crew enough for their efforts and feels the August walk will be another keynote moment in the history of the centre.
All the walkers - which includes four nurses - will pay their own way meaning all funds raised go directly to the centre.
They are plotting major fundraising events over the coming months and would love the support of the community - far and wide.
And local firms have also come in behind the project.
Last week, Mullens Coaches said they will supply transport for the group to Galway - at no expense. They are also giving the group the use of a bus for the 10 days to carry luggage from various points.
Breffini Couriers and designers Enthusia Creative Science have also come in as backers.
The walkers will also be paying for their own meals, but Ann would love if a local firm could step in and agree to sponsor the likes of bars, fruit, water or whatever for the walkers during their daytime adventures!
‘ They’ll get their evening meals, but they’ll need something tucked away in a bag to keep them going during the walks so assistance would be great there,’ she stated.
One of the organisers, former Drogheda United soccer star Frank Flanagan, says the route has been planned and parts of it even walked in advance of the trip.
The walkers include: Frank Flanagan , Terry Collins, Rita Broom, Anne Hatton , Siobhan Bennett , Treasa McGlynn , Nuala Hagar , Marty McCann, Clare O’Dwyer, Eamon Hanratty , Ciaran Quigley , Mary Regan, Heather Rees, Gerry Keenan, Ann Carroll, Paula Carolan, Ray Donagh, Barry O’Malley , Aileen Keogh, Tom Flynn.
Pat Coffey is also part of the committee and has done much of the mapping exercise.