BRID Sweeney, a native of Dore who now lives in Loughanure, is currently undertaking a mammoth fitness challenge to raise funds for an ‘Oasis of Peace’ sculpture.
Brid is three weeks into her 365 day walking challenge to raise funds for a communal reflection space in Gweedore which will be in remembrance of those who have died suddenly and tragically down through the years.
Each evening, Brid and her friend Ella Byrne put their best foot forward and complete a 6k loop around Loughanure.
Working as a receptionist with RAP in Gaoth Dobhair, Brid also finds the time to do three loops of the Industrial Park at lunch-time.
They began their challenge on January 1 and had already walked half a million steps by the middle of this week.
A mother of two grown-up children, Brid has lost two nephews and a God-son in tragic circumstances over the past six years.
At the time of speaking to The Donegal News, Brid had raised more than €4,700 for the ‘Oasis of Peace’ sculpture.
She was inspired to take part in the walking challenge after talking to Máire Uí Chomhaill, Bainisteoir, Ionad Naomh Pádraig, Dobhar, who is spearheading the project.
“The Oasis of Peace sculpture is for anyone who has lost a loved one and it’s nice to do something for someone else. I’ve lost two nephews and a godson in the past couple of years – Paul McEleney, Seán Sweeney, and Godchild Conor Boyle – and this project is very close to my heart,” she said.
Talking about the benefits of exercise, Brid said: “It’s good for me to get out; it’s good for the head, too.”
“I love walking. I’m a receptionist so I’m sitting all day and it’s great to stretch the legs. It’s also good for the mind,” she said.
Brid has encouraged others to take up walking if they can. She advised: “You don’t need to be an athlete, all you need is a bright-coloured coat and the will to go out.”
Brian McCormick Sports in Letterkenny, Ionad Naomh Pádraig and Sioen Industries have kindly sponsored Brid’s shoes and wet gear.
Ionad Naomh Pádraig in Dore plan to develop a communal reflection space in the heart of the community, in loving memory of all the young people who, have died in the prime of their youth, and in remembrance of those who have died suddenly and tragically down through the years.
OASIS OF PEACE
“It will be an oasis of peace, spirituality, comfort and solace for parents, guardians, family members and friends of our dear young people who live on in the hearts and memories of their loved ones and in that of the extended community.
“They firmly believe that there is a deep need for such a focal point in the heart of our community. A place of tranquillity, rest and contemplation for inner-peace, amid the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A place to inspire and empower both young and old to focus on and care for their mental health and well-being,” Brid said.
To date Ionad Naomh Pádraig have raised €3,000 through the 50/50 draw. The full cost of the project is estimated to cost about €12,000.
Readers can follow Brid’s journey on Facebook, and can donate via: https://www.gofundme.com/f/brid-winnies-365-day-walk-for-charity
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