A Dublin priest received a hero’s welcome in Cork this week after finishing a 550KM walk for motor neuron disease.
Fr Tony Coote started a nationwide movement this summer when he launched a fundraising journey for MND awareness. The unstoppable priest’s ‘Walk While You Can’ campaign has raised hundreds of thousands of euro in support of the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Fr Coote set out to spread a message of hope after being diagnosed with MND in March 2018. He began in Letterkenny on July 10th and travelled the length of Ireland with his supporters on an amazing journey that touched many hearts.
FR. Tony Coote beginning his Walk While You Can Fundraiser from Letterkenny to Ballydehob for support, research and care of Motor Neuron Disease. Photo Clive Wasson
There were huge celebrations in Ballydehob in Cork on Monday when the 27-day trip came to an end. Now, the final push is on to reach Fr Coote’s €250,000 target.
Fr Tony Coote said: “Since I was diagnosed I realised the only medication is 24 years old and that the Motor Neurone Disease Association can only provide three nurses for the whole country with just over 400 people living with this illness. Their salaries are paid for by church gate collections.”
Rather than complaining about these facts, Fr Tony used his time and his voice to do something about it. And he has done just that by reaching so many towns and communities on this journey.
If you wish to support the fund, visit: http://wwyc.ie/
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