Clare Island Walk raises vital funds for Western Care

A novel fundraiser has raised more than €14,000 for Western Care Association. Almost 100 people took part in the annual Clare Island Walk this summer taking on 5km, 8km and 12km routes around the historic and picturesque Mayo island.

Western Care supports 850 people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism and the annual charity walk has now raised €115,000 since it was started by a group of dedicated volunteers in 2015.

The organisers of the walk presented representatives from Western Care with a cheque for €14,298 at a special event. The money will be used to enhance Western Care services in the Mayo area.

Mary Farrell is one of the organisers, she said: “This year’s Clare Island Walk was a resounding success. Almost 100 people took part and despite a choppy crossing to the island the sun shone brightly for the day. We were given such a warm welcome both on board the Clare Island Ferry and by Maureen Pender and her wonderful team at the Community Centre. It was also the venue for the lunch and refreshments which were kindly sponsored by O’Hara’s bakery in Foxford and Keane’s Butchers in Newport. Participants were given a goody bag which provided them with a map of the Island which allowed them to explore at their own leisure with many taking the opportunity to grab an ice-cream from Padraic O Malley in the Post Office and Shop who was delighted to share his wealth of knowledge of the island.”

Interim CEO of Western Care, Dr Aoife O’Donohue added: “I would like to thank everyone who supported the event this and every year since 2015. It is a wonderful family day out as well as being an important fundraiser for it. The funds raised have paid for vital equipment in our facilities, such as ceiling hoists, wet room renovations, improved flooring, as well as providing memorable experiences such as day trips for our residents.”

Pictured above are the organisers of the annual Clare Island Walk presenting a cheque to representatives of Western Care Association. Pictured are volunteer Willie Murphy, Helen Gibbons, Mary Farrell, volunteer Tom Cusack, Tia Crowley and Gary Dunne.