Memorial Walk goes global as Galway Hospice hosts its biggest fundraiser

For the first fourteen years of its existence, participants in the Galway Memorial Walk formed what looked like a human chain from the Claddagh to the end of the Prom – all joined together, remembering a loved one, and doing their bit for the Galway Hospice.

Last year Covid put paid to that – but that also brought the walk to a whole new world, as Irish people the world over joined in…remembering those who are gone, from wherever their own lives had taken them across the globe.

This year’s 16th annual Galway Memorial Walk in aid of Galway Hospice on Sunday, September 12, will again be a global event – because Covid-19 still precludes a gathering along that familiar route from the Claddagh to the Prom.

So instead, the Hospice is asking people to walk somewhere special to them – either close to home or far from it – in memory of someone close to them who is gone.

What has long made the Memorial Walk a unique event is that, while it is in memory of those who are gone, there is no sadness on the day…only joyful memories and laughter, as those still here share stories of days gone by.

And it is also a vital fundraiser for Galway Hospice which continues to provide care throughout Covid and needs your support now more than ever.

Last year, the Hospice cared for almost 1,000 patients and their families living with a life-limiting illness – and demand for its service continue to grow.

“This walk is so special for us and for people each year. It means we can have a day when we all come together and honour those who have been lost from our lives,” said Mary Nash, Chief Executive of Galway Hospice.

“Seeing people walking in memory of their family, friends and loved ones and celebrating their lives is always so poignant in Galway on the second Sunday in September.

“It allows us all to come together as a community to remember and to raise vital funds for other people who will need our help throughout the coming year,” she added.

This year’s ‘virtual walkers’ will again be able to create another lasting legacy – because all who registered will receive a packet of sunflower seeds, sponsored by McD’s Home & Garden.

That gives them something to grow to remember their loved one every time they see them prosper – thriving as another lasting legacy to a life well lived.

The Walk, which is also sponsored by the Connacht Tribune Group and Galway Bay FM, is the Hospice’s single biggest fundraiser each year – and it is firmly embedded on the local social calendar.

You still have time to register through the Galway Hospice website or on 091 770868.