The Friel family from Buncrana are having a well-deserved rest this week after walking 45km in a quest to make their local park more inclusive.
The walk in memory of Gareth Friel took place on Saturday as part of the ‘Fun for All’ fundraiser.
Relatives of the late Gareth Friel took to the hills from Banba’s Crown in Malin Head to the Market Square Buncrana.
They received a huge show of support along the way and successfully raised over €15,000. The total raised for the fund now stands at €16,500, with the overall target of €20,000 in sight.
The family are fundraising for a wheelchair ability swing, a bird’s nest swing and a wheelchair accessible picnic bench for Buncrana’s Festival Playground. The facilities will enable people with disabilities two join the fun that the popular park has to offer.
Artist’s impression of the proposed new amenties at Festival Park
Coreen Robinson, Gareth’s sister, tells Donegal Dailyabout Saturday’s journey: “On the drive to Banba’s Crown, the reality of what we were doing became very real.
“But I can honestly say, we enjoyed every minute, even when the hills were long and the rain lashed down on us and our feet and legs ached, knowing why we were there gave us all the determination to keep pushing and everyone put their heart and soul into it.
“In total we walked 45km from 5am to 1pm and arrived back at the Market Square earlier than expected!”
Fun For All Buncrana Walk in memory of Gareth Friel
Fun For All Buncrana
On behalf of the family, Coreen has thanked everyone who helped and supported in any way on the day.
“I hope they realise that everything they did contributes to the final goal which is Fun For All. We are so grateful.
This project has reminded me of what a great community we live in and that we all want our children to have every opportunity in life, even if it is as simple as feeling the wind on their face on a swing in their local play park.”
Fun For All Buncrana Walk in memory of Gareth Friel
Donegal County Council is supporting the project and agreed that if €20,000 is raised in the community to buy the equipment, then the council will fund the groundwork and installation at the Shore Front.
Stay tuned to the Fun for All Buncrana Facebook page (click here) for details of upcoming fundraisers.
People are being invited to support the cause in any way they can. Donations are very welcome to https://www.idonate.ie/cause/funforallbuncrana or https://www.idonate.ie/event/awalkforgareth