The 14th annual Galway Memorial Walk in aid of Galway Hospice takes place on Sunday September 8.
As is tradition, the walk will begin at 12 noon from the Claddagh Hall and follow the traditional coastal route to Blackrock and return - a total distance of 6.5km.
Participants who take part in the walk in memory of a deceased family member, friend or work colleague, also raise valuable funds for the Galway Hospice.
Galway Hospice CEO Mary Nash says the event is both emotional and inspiring for the thousands who walk.
“The Galway Memorial Walk is an opportunity for people to walk and remember their loved ones. To watch the sea of white t-shirts trailing along the Prom is both emotional and uplifting,” Mary Nash says. “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.”
Many participants wear the name of their loved one on specially personalised t-shirts, provided by the hospice, and the closing date for participants requiring personalised t-shirts is tomorrow (Friday August 23 ).
With a growing increase in demand for services provided by Galway Hospice, €6,000 per day (€2.1million per annum ) must be raised to continue to provide these services. The funds raised will be invested into the community palliative care services, day care service, and bereavement support services.
“Without the generosity of the people of Galway, we could not continue to provide the care which we do to patients and their families living with a life-limiting illness,” Mary Nash says.
Galwegians can register online for the Galway Memorial Walk at www.galwayhospice.ie/walk or call 091-770868. Those wishing to take part in this year’s Memorial Walk must register in advance.
A number of sign-up events for the Memorial Walk will also be held throughout the city and county, including:
Gullane’s Hotel, Ballinasloe, Thursday August 22, 6pm-8pml; SuperValu, Tuam, Thursday August 22, 5pm-8pm; Salthill Market, Sunday August 25, 10am-5pm; Sullivan’s Hotel, Gort, Monday August 26, 6-8pm.
