PARENTS, staff members and friends of the Royal and Prior Comprehensive School in Raphoe have played their part in a unique fundraiser organised to encourage health and well-being during the month of January.
The ‘Run for the Royal’ appeal was organised by the school’s Parents Association who asked people to walk or run 50km by themselves, or 100km with others during January.
It was a challenge that was embraced by a large number of participants who managed to shake off the Christmas and New Year exertions by getting out and getting active.
One of the organisers, Claire Lowry of the Parents Association, said the fundraiser was a big success.
“Our objective was to get people out and to try and get fitter over the month of January. We hoped that people could meet up with friends, and maybe make new friends along the way, and that has definitely been the case,” she said.
Over the last month, the Parents Association organised four different events around the county where refreshments stops were put in place for those out for that day’s walk. Participants were able to stop off before their walk and pick up a hi-viz vest, and then call in for a cuppa after completing their walk.
With the school accommodating students from all parts of Donegal, the Parents Association decided to visit different parts of the county during January.
The first event was held at Inch Wildlife Reserve on New Year’s Day. There was a great turn-out of participants and the Milk Bar kindly supplied milk, chocolate and strawberry milkshakes.
Farm Relief supplied a gazebo and Shaun McGuire provided fruit from his stall in Raphoe.
The second walk was in Donegal Town where Archdeacon Haus kindly offered the use of the Church of Ireland Hall for the day. Participants walked along the Bank
Walk and Rossylongan Forest and thanks are extended to Alan Craig and Alastair Lockhark for their support on the day.
The next walk took place from Letterkenny Trinity Hall, with thanks to Rev Tommy Bruce. It was an evening walk in Letterkenny so the Hi-Viz vests came in handy.
The final walk was due to take place last evening from Raphoe Royal with refreshments organised in the school canteen. That event, held on the final day of January, brought the month-long challenge to a successful end.
Participants at last night’s walk were presented with a special wooden keyring which was designed as part of a school competition organised by Mr P Stuart and Mrs Gibson with TY students. The winning design was by Jamie McGinley.
Thanks are also extended to Mr Deane and Miss C Cowan for all their help setting up Eventbrite.
Claire added: “Dr Howard Welch our school principal was very supportive of the idea too.
“He is always very encouraging of events which are good for mental health. As a school community we very much appreciate all the unnoticed work he does for our students and the school.”
Everyone who signed up online or attended each event had their name entered into different draws and the Parents Association would like to thank all the parents and friends who donated prizes for these raffles.
As part of the appeal, a fundraising quiz will take place tonight (Thursday) in An Grianan Hotel, Burt starting at 9pm.
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