Gillian Duffy recently organised a charity walk in aid of vulnerable children across Ireland. Gillian describes what inspired the event.
Posted on Wednesday 23 May 2018 in Fundraising, Events
About a year ago, I began thinking about how I was going to mark my 50th birthday, especially as some of my long-standing school friends were talking about how they were going to mark theirs.
I made up my mind that I did not want a party in a pub or hotel, for 2 reasons; 1. people crammed into a hot, sweaty pub"¦trying to talk over loud music"¦ and trying to get the party going and create an atmosphere (don't get me wrong"¦ I've nothing against this idea but it was just not for me!) and 2. at 50 years of age what does a girl need in presents"¦ there's only so much smelly stuff, chocolates & wine that one needs"¦ or doesn't need as the case may be!!
So, I made up my mind to organise a Charity Walk in aid of a charity very special to me"¦ Barnardos.
I put the wheels in motion and set the date for the event on Sunday 18th March 2018, falling between two bank holidays and chose the fantastic venue of Dun na Si Amenity Park, Moate, Co. Westmeath, situated beside the beautiful Mullingar to Athlone Greenway Cycle & Walking track, ideal for what I needed!!
Despite the snowy start to the day and getting up to 2" of snow that morning"¦the walk went ahead and it was a most enjoyable event for all who attended. Thank heavens for positive thinking people who did not let the weather stop them on the day and if anything, only added to the atmosphere of the whole occasion!! Over 100 people registered and to date we have raised a total of €1,200 for Barnardos!
What made me choose Barnardos? Well, children have always been very special to me and I have always been passionate about their well-being. Mainly because they have little or no say about the circumstances that they find themselves in, often not very good ones. Children can be neglected, cold & hungry through no fault of their own.
It's thanks to organisations like Barnardos that these children can have a better quality of life.
I'm hoping my humble donation of €1,200 will go some of the way towards improving life for the children Barnardos are working with.
