THE Walk-With-Me Annual 5K continues to celebrate the life and legacy of Mary Ellen Molloy, whose untimely passing in 2019 inspired her family and friends to create an event that would honour her memory and support meaningful causes. This commemorative and celebratory 5K walk unites communities worldwide each Boxing Day, offering an opportunity to remember Mary Ellen and other young lives lost while raising funds for vital charities.
The inaugural event in December 2020 witnessed an incredible global response, with walks taking place across County Donegal—Mary Ellen’s hometown of Ardara, as well as Glenties, Carrick, Meenaneary, and Narin-Portnoo—along with international locations such as Melbourne, Sydney, and New York. In a heartwarming gesture, the children of Meenaneary National School even donated their Christmas card funds to the cause, underscoring the impact of this event on both local and global communities.
Over the years, the Walk-With-Me initiative has made a remarkable difference:
2020: €33,225 raised, benefiting the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust (KBRT) and the Downstrands Family Resource Centre equally.
2021: €17,250 raised, distributed among KBRT (€8,760), Downstrands Family Resource Centre (€6,175), and Donegal Counselling Services (€2,585).; 2022: €9,630 raised, with KBRT (€3,630), Downstrands Family Resource Centre (€3,000), Donegal Family Resource Centre (€1,500), and the Creeslough Fund (€1,500) as beneficiaries.; 2023: €12,500 raised, supporting KBRT (€5,000), Donegal Family Resource Centre (€3,000), Downstrands Family Resource Centre (€1,500), and the Daniel Gallagher Fund (€3,000). 2024: €10,045 raised, supporting KBRT (€5,000), Donegal Family Resource Centre (€2,522.50), Downstrands Family Resource Centre (€2,522.50). To date, the initiative has raised a staggering almost €83,000. The funds raised have provided essential support to young people and families, offering counselling services and emotional assistance during challenging times. The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, which assists bereaved families in repatriating loved ones who have passed away abroad, remains a significant beneficiary each year.
The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust (KBRT) is a volunteer-led charity based in Newry that helps bereaved families in Ireland bring loved ones who have died suddenly or tragically abroad back home. It was established in 2013 by Colin and Eithne Bell after the death of their 26-year-old son Kevin in New York; funds raised to repatriate his body were used to start the Trust so others wouldn’t face the same hardship.
KBRT has helped bring the remains of well over a thousand people back to the Island of Ireland, working with families, funeral directors and embassies to manage arrangements compassionately and efficiently.
This year, the Walk-With-Me 5K . Walks will take place at 12 noon iat Glencolmcille (CLG Naomh Columba GAA grounds); Meenaneary Community Centre (Ionad Pobail Mhín an Aoire); Ardara (CLG Ard an Rátha GAA grounds); Narin-Portnoo Beach; Glenties Walking Track; Solis Lough Eske Castle, (Back Carpark), Lough Eske, Donegal Town. Donations will be collected on the day, with proceeds shared between the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and local charities, including family resource centres that offer critical support to bereaved families and young people.
