A Swinford man who is raising money for two well-deserved charities is coming towards the end of a mammoth 2,200km trek across mainland Europe, which has brought him from Canterbury in the UK almost all the way to the Vatican City in Rome.
Cathal Kelly set off from Canterbury Cathedral on Sunday, June 16, to walk the Via Francegina pilgrimage across southern England, France, the Swiss Alps and Northern Italy before reaching his destination at the Vatican on Thursday, October 10.
Cathal undertook this challenge to raise money for two well deserved Irish charities, Mayo Parkinson’s Association and Children’s Health Foundation, Crumlin.
“Both of these charities hold a special and emotional place in my heart and that of my family,” said Cathal. “I strongly believe the research undertaken at the National Children’s Research Centre in Crumlin changes children’s lives and the Mayo Parkinson’s Association offers an invaluable care and assistance to our family and so many more throughout the county.”
There have been ups and downs for Cathal on his walk, lonely days through the French countryside, vending machine pizzas and rainy treks, but they have been balanced off by people from home joining him for sections of his walk. ‘Big’ Tom Byrne and his daughter Katie from Kiltimagh were the most recent to join him in the Tuscany region.
Boosted by constant messages and support from home, Cathal has met some wonderful characters along his walk and has built up a following along the way as other pilgrims have noted they heard about the Irishman walking the entire Via Francigena in one go.
With about 200km left, the Swinford man has taken all expectations and hopes and smashed through them as he nears his destination and his family are urging people to support him in any way possible as he reaches his goal.
Cathal’s brother Mike is hoping for a boost in donations.
“We are all so proud of everything Cathal has achieved so far and are willing him over the line as he closes in on the Vatican. Hearing the stories back from those who have joined him along the way and from speaking to him regularly we know it has been a tough but fun adventure.
“Hopefully, people can see the effort that has gone into what he has done and will donate whatever they can to boost the overall donation to two fantastic and well deserved charities.”
You can donate via Cathal’s website at kellyswalk2rome.ie and follow his progress on his Instagram page @kellyswalk2rome.
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Publish date : 2024-09-28 04:23:00
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