A 70-year-old man will set off from Donegal on a 450+ kilometre trek to raise funds for MS Ireland.
Tony Merrigan says that the trek will mark “one last adventure” as he gets ready for the journey to begin in 10 days’ time.
Setting off from Donegal Town on Monday the 13th of July, he will be on the road for 20 days – planning to arrive in Kinsale, County Cork on Saturday the 1st of August.
Tony, who turned 70 last year, is currently living in Nerja in Spain, roughly 40 minutes east of Malaga.
Despite tearing his achilles 18 months ago, the septuagenarian is getting in shape for the walk.
“I have great opportunities to get fit between now and then. We have mountains and lots of walks right there available to me. In fact, I have started walking now,” he said.
His motivation to take on the charity walk for MS Ireland stems from his daughter, Laura.
She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 27, but thanks to support from the charity and her medical team, is able to live a full life now at the age of 46.
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“My daughter Laura, unfortunately, at 27, she was diagnosed with MS,” Tony said.
“She has a full life now. She’s 46. She’s had a child since. She lives a full life, but she gets tired and she has her moments.”
“It’s been something that’s been on my mind to do for this particular cause because of that situation,” he said.
His gargantuan walking route only includes one rest day in Limerick, but for him long-distance treks are familiar, having previously completed an 800+ kilometre walk from France to Santiago de Compostela.
“I want to do this walk. It’s probably my last adventure given my age, so I’m quite happy to do this particular walk as my last big adventure,” he said ahead of the walk.
He will have some support from his family on the way into Limerick, but he is also welcoming anyone who wishes to join him for part of his journey.
“Anybody that sees me on the road, beep the horn or indeed join me. They’re more than welcome. I would love that,” he said.
He is raising the funds via MS Ireland’s Enthuse platform, meaning that all donations go directly to the organisation.
To support Tony’s fundraiser, you can visit: https://multiplesclerosisofireland.enthuse.com/pf/tony-merrigan
Tony’s route is as follows:
13 July: Donegal Town to Ballyshannon
14 July: Ballyshannon to Grange
15 July: Grange to Sligo
16 July: Sligo to Coolaney
17 July: Coolaney to Curry
18 July: Curry to Kilkelly
19 July: Kilkelly to Claremorris
20 July: Claremorris to Tuam
21 July: Tuam to Claregalway
22 July: Claregalway to Ardrahan
23 July: Ardrahan to Crusheen
24 July: Crusheen to Newmarket-on-Fergus
25 July: Newmarket-on-Fergus to Limerick
26 July: Rest day in Limerick
27 July: Limerick to Croom
28 July: Croom to Charleville
29 July: Charleville to Mallow
30 July: Mallow to Blarney
31 July: Blarney to Innishannon
1 August: Arrive in Kinsale