McGuinness family seek support for charity walk

THE family of the late Martin McGuinness is urging the public to support a fundraising charity walk in his memory in Donegal later this month.

‘The Chieftain’s Walk’ will go from Derry to An Grianán on Sunday, March 25 and will raise funds for the cross-border North West Cancer Centre and is also designed to raise awareness of Amyloidosis, the condition the late Sinn Féin leader died of. The walk will take place four days after the first anniversary of his death.

It is one of a series of events being organised across the north west to mark the anniversary. Fiachra McGuinness, son of the late Martin, has encouraged people in Donegal to take part to help raise funds for the cross border cancer centre at Altnagelvin.

“The walk from Glenowen to An Grianán will raise funds for the N.W. Cancer Centre and raise awareness of Amyloidosis, so the more people we get involved, the more of a difference we can make,” he said.

“The idea for a charity walk to Grianán is something my parents had discussed, never thinking that he wouldn’t be here to take part. But my mother and we, as a family, felt he would want us to go ahead and we are very grateful to all those who have supported it so far,” he added.

He also said Grianán and Donegal were very close to his father’s heart.

“Grianan was a very special place to my father. He loved to walk up to the fort. There’s no doubt that, at 5.5 miles, the walk will be challenging for some. However, reaching the top will be a major sense of achievement and even if you don’t feel up to doing the full route, I’d still urge people to sign up, walk what you can and join us on the final stretch.”

Everyone who registers will receive a commemorative medal and the entry fee for the walk is £10.

You can register via the Chieftain’s Walk Facebook page or online at https://register.primoevents.com/ps/event/TheMartinMcGuinnessChieftainsWalk.

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