10th Memorial Walk for Galway Hospice launched

The organisers of the Galway Hospice Memorial Walk – which takes place next month – are hoping to attract the largest crowd yet for the fundraiser, to mark its 10th year.

The event has already raised more than €1.4 million since its inception in 2006.

Last year, more than 4,000 people took part, which was in excess of expectations for what is Galway Hospice’s biggest annual fundraising event.

This year, the 6.5km walk from the Claddagh Hall to Blackrock and back will take place on Sunday, September 13 from noon.

Fundraising Manager Michael Craig said: “It has become a very special and deeply personal event for the people of Galway.  It is hoped that, as this is the tenth year of the walk, people will come out in huge numbers to walk in memory of their loved ones.”

He added that over the past twelve months, demand for Hospice services have continued to increase.

“Since last year’s walk, demand for Hospice services has continued to increase. To meet this need, additional specialist nurses have been appointed to the Home Care team, and work is imminent on the construction of six additional single in-patient rooms at the Hospice in Renmore.

“Without the generosity of the people of Galway, none of these developments would have been possible.

“We expect the six additional in-patient rooms to be operational in just a few months time. The ongoing work on the new entrance to the Hospice from the main Dublin Road, together with additional parking spaces, will make it much easier for patients and the public to access the Hospice, and find convenient parking,” said Mr Craig.

Mary Nash, the new CEO of the Hospice said that watching the sea of white t-shirt during the walk is “emotional and uplifting”.

“It is also an opportunity for people, through their sponsorship, to help ensure the ongoing free availability of Hospice care for those who need the services in to the future,” she said.

The organisers also warned people to be on the lookout for bogus collectors.

“Where there is fundraising there is also opportunity for theft. Sadly, in recent years a number of bogus collectors have been going door-to-door claiming to be collecting for the Hospice.

“We urge the public to be vigilant and to only subscribe to someone they know. The Hospice discourages people from sponsoring anyone they do not know, through messages printed on Hospice sponsorship cards.”

Participants in the Memorial Walk do so in remembrance of a deceased family member, friend or work colleague, with many participants wearing the name of their loved one on personalised t-shirts, provided by the Hospice.

Those wishing to take part must register in advance. The closing date for participants requiring personalised t-shirts is Friday, August 28.

To register, visit galwayhospice.ie or contact the Hospice on 091 770868.