An Offaly long walk home.
An Irishwoman is walking 100km from Dublin Airport to her hometown in Clara, Co. Offaly to raise funds for Jigsaw, the National Centre for Youth Mental Health.
Maria Kelly has been living in Boston for the last 18 months and recently decided to make her return something special for the local community by going a particularly scenic route for a good cause.
“I’ve had a lot of friends that’ve suffered with mental health issues and who’ve been greatly helped by the staff at Jigsaw. Christmas is a time where many people, particularly in rural communities like mine, find themselves feeling lonely and isolated. This is a small gesture that I can make to raise funds for the servicce that has helped so many of those close to me.”
@JigsawYMH supporter Maria Kelly has reached our Dublin 15 service! From Boston to Clara by foot!! Please show your support and help Maria reach her fundraising target. https://t.co/SdmBgzZbjY #bostontoclara #walkinghomeforchristmas pic.twitter.com/jZb2vt01hI
— JigsawYMH (@JigsawYMH) December 20, 2017
“I wouldn’t be a big walker”, she jokes. “This idea came out of mid-air. I wanted to do something different to finish out my visa, and end my experience by giving something back.”
“I’m excited today though. That’s what’s getting me home, because my feet are in bits. I’m limping right now, but as long as I can get home in one piece that’s fine.”
Maria left Dublin Airport on Wednesday morning at 10am, travelling by Blanchardstown, Maynooth, Enfield and Kinnegad where she stopped on Thursday 21 December. Her final leg on Friday 22 December will see her travelling to Rochfortbridge and Kilbeggan before she arrives in Clara at approximately 7.15pm.
To support Maria and donate to Jigsaw, visit everydayhero.com.
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