THE third annual ‘Walk with M.E’ fundraiser returns to seven locations across south-west Donegal this St Stephen’s Day, December 26, with all funds being split between the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and local charities.
The ‘Walk with M.E’ event was set up three years ago by John Ross Molloy who lost his only sister Mary Ellen (26) in an accident in Melbourne, Australia on the December 20, 2019.
The fundraising efforts of the three previous walks have led to in excess of €50,000 being raised for several deserving charities – The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust (€25,115), Downstrands Youth Services (€22,530), and Donegal Family Resource Centre (€2,585).
The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust played a pivotal role in bringing Mary Ellen home to her parents Terence and Angela, her two younger brothers John Ross and Karl Joseph and the Molloy and Gillespie families in 2019. These services have been used many times by families across the island of Ireland since it was established in 2013 to bring their loved ones home.
The counselling services of both Downstrands and Donegal Family Resource Centre have also proven to be invaluable to many members of the community in south-west Donegal during the grieving process of Mary Ellen’s untimely passing.
Although this event was originally organised in the memory of Mary Ellen, her family and friends have stated that it is for everyone, all the families who are bereaved and especially remembering their grief and pain at this extremely difficult time of year.
Donegal has been struck by many tragedies in recent times. The communities of Killybegs, Dungloe, Gortahork, and Newtowncunningham have all experienced tragic losses in the past week alone.
A spokesperson said “We must also remember the Creeslough Community and what they continue to suffer with the loss of ten lives in very difficult circumstances. While we are all different in our journeys of tragedy, we are all united in sadness and grief. We remember all the families involved and hope that they will find peace in their hearts.”
The ‘Walk with M.E’ 5KM event will take place on St Stephen’s Day from 12.30pm at seven locations – Ionad an Phobail (Meenaneary Community Centre), Ionad Fiontraíochta na Carraige (Sliabh Liag Distillery Building) Carrick, Glenties Comprehensive track, The Blue Haven Hotel Kilcar, the back car park of Lough Eske Castle Hotel Donegal Town, Narin Beach, and Ardara GAA pitch.
There will also be a walk in Melbourne, Australia, for all of Mary Ellen’s former work colleagues and friends.
For those that cannot attend the event but wish to donate, you can visit the gofundme set up by John Ross Molloy entitled: ‘Walk with ME 2022’.
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