Donegal Camino 2023 has raised over €60,000 so far

Donegal Camino 2023 has so far raised  €60,000 from this year’s walk for Cancer Care West Services in Donegal. 

The fund is rising and organisers have appealed all walkers to return their sponsorship cards as soon as possible while also making another call out for support to the people and businesses of Donegal to make the 2023 donation the biggest yet. 

The Donegal Camino idonate page remains open  Donegal Camino| Fundraising Event Ireland (idonate.ie) up to Sunday, October 8 and if you can spare a couple of euros it will all help support cancer sufferers and their families all across Donegal.

519 people walked the 2023 event from September 3-9 with an average of 75 daily walkers. This year’s attendance included walkers from Rhode Island and Boston, New Zealand, France, Scotland, Dublin, Cork, Clare, the Midlands Galway and of course all across Northern Ireland and Donegal. All of whom commented on the warm welcome they received and the excellent guides, John McGroary, Joe Coyle, Denis Sheridan and Michael Devaney who ensured the ultimate of safety was maintained for the entire seven days.

Participants described it as a tremendous week of walking, hiking, talking, singing and sharing of personal stories by all walkers was had amidst the most stunning scenery of Donegal which most certainly wowed all walkers.

All of which was celebrated on the final day with dinner and a rousing sing-song in the Rusty Mackeral in Teelin. Annette Hassett, operations manager of Cancer Care West walked the seven days and she described it as a very “emotional” experience.

Some of the participants en route to their next destination

“We don’t receive any state funding for our Donegal Support Centre and rely totally on donations and the generosity of the public. To watch the sheer volume of walkers, the organising of the Donegal Camino Committee and volunteers and the spontaneous entertainment while sharing in the experiences of each of the walkers I’ve met was simply fabulous. All of this coupled with the stunning walks is beyond incredible and we’re so very grateful to each and every person involved and who donates. The Donegal Camino is now the leading source of funds for Cancer Care West services in Donegal,” she said. 

Founder Peggy Stringer added: “I’m literally blown away by the growth in the 2023 Donegal Camino, it’s beyond my wildest dreams and it’s simply a breathtaking to experience it, the people, the scenery, walks and to support Cancer Care West, a cause very close to my heart”.

Former owner of Harvey’s Point, Deirdre McGlone also spoke of her delight in taking part.

“Along with generating much-needed funds for Cancer Care West, we’re also showcasing Donegal as a world-class destination for walking and hiking and this week in the glorious sunshine there’s no place else one could be but here on the Donegal Camino with walkers from all over Ireland and as far away as North America and New Zealand all choosing to be here with us on this most special of Caminos.”

Enjoying the spectacular views along the Donegal Camino

Noel Cunningham, board member of Cancer Care West and Harvey’s Point ambassador,  summed up everyone's feelings.

“Cancer Care West plays a huge role in the lives of Donegal Cancer victims and their families. The Donegal Camino is fast becoming the leading fundraising event in the Cancer Care West calendar. Blessed with fantastic walkers who fundraise and the generosity of our partners and sponsors, we now ask everyone to continue to support us and donate until the 8th of October. Lets make this our biggest donation yet.”

A spokesperson for the Donegal Camino said they were beyond grateful to its funders and partners for their generous support and of course, the registered walkers who work so hard to fundraise throughout the year.

"A huge Thank You goes to all the walkers and to Donegal Tourism, Gallagher’s Bakehouse, 3D Personnel, Sendmode, Harvey’s Point, Donegal Airport and to all who gave sponsorship, lunches, water, provided entertainment and so on."

Organised, operated and managed by a voluntary committee and a group of big-hearted volunteers, the Donegal Camino includes founder Peggy Stringer along with committee members, Deirdre McGlone, Noel Cunningham, Noreen D’Arcy and John McNamara. The panel of volunteers includes Danny Kelly, Sean Doherty,  Carl Gysling and photographer Colm Canny.

The public is encouraged to continue to donate to Donegal Camino on Donegal Camino| Fundraising Event Ireland (idonate.ie) and follow their website and social media for updates: www.donegalcamino.ie and @donegalcamino for all the latest updates.