It’s time to register for the Galway Memorial Walk which will be held for the tenth time on Sunday September 13th. The walk in aid of the Galway Hospice will begin at 12 noon from the Claddagh Hall, following the traditional coastal route to Blackrock and return—a total distance of 6.5km.
The Memorial Walks is Galway Hospice‘s biggest annual fundraising event, and 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.
Those who take part 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 specially personalised teeshirts provided by the Hospice.
Those wishing to take part in this year’s Memorial Walk must register in advance. The closing date for participants requiring personalised t-shirts is Friday August 28th.
Since last year’s Memorial 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,” said Michael Craig, Fundraising Manager of Galway Hospice.
“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,” he went on to say.
“The Galway Memorial Walk is an opportunity for people to walk and remember their loved ones. To watch the sea of white teeshirts trailing along the Prom is both emotional and uplifting,” said Mary Nash, CEO of Galway Hospice. “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.”
However, 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,” said Michael Carig. “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.”
For more information on how to register for the 2015 Galway Memorial Walk contact Galway Hospice on 091 770 868, email [email protected] or visit GalwayHospice.ie.
