AFTER the tragic and untimely death of Mary Ellen Molloy in December 2019 her loyal friends and family decided that they needed to create an event that would celebrate her life and that of other young people, all while helping some wonderful charities.
In December 2020 we witnessed the very first ‘Walk with Me’, a celebratory and commemorative event which brought communities all over the world together for a 5k walk on St Stephen’s Day.
Walks took place in several locations in Co. Donegal, including Mary Ellen’s hometown of Ardara, neighbouring areas of Glenties, Carrick, Meenaneary and Narin, Portnoo as well as Melbourne, Sydney and New York.
Such was the impact of the event in the locality that the children of Meenaneary National School opted to donate their Christmas cards money in lieu of sending cards to each other. This incredible gesture was felt all over the world and especially by Mary Ellen’s family.
In the first year of the fundraiser in 2020, €33,225 was raised and €16,612.50 was donated each to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust (KBRT) and the Downstrands Family Resource Centre.
The following year, €17,250 was raised, €8760 to the KBRT, €6,175 Downstrands Family Resource Centre and €2,585 donated to Donegal counselling services.
Then in 2022, €9,630 was raised with the KBRT receiving €3,630, Downstrands Family Resource Centre €3,000, Donegal Family Resource Centre received €1,500 and a sum of €1,500 was donated to the Creeslough Fund.
Downstrands and Donegal Family Resource Centres provide incredible support to young people and their families, ordering counselling services as well as emotional support to families who need it.
This year the walks have been organised for communities in Glencolmcille (GAA grounds), Ardara (GAA), at Narin Portnoo beach, Glenties walking track and at Solis Lough Eske Castle in Donegal Town. All walks will commence at 12 noon.
Donations will be accepted on the day and all funds raised will be shared between the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and local charities supporting young people, and local family resource centres. You can make a donation at Facebook or on the GoFundMe page.
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