The incredible impact of the Donegal Camino fundraiser will be shared with a national audience on this week’s Nationwide on RTE One.
The annual walking event, now a highlight of many people’s autumn calendars, has raised a massive €279,295.30 for Cancer Care West since its inception in 2020.
Last year’s event broke all records when €122,145.30 was raised by 735 participants from across the world, with Irish walkers being joined by those from the UK, Scotland, Australia, France and the USA.
Over the years, the funds have had life-changing benefits for local patients undergoing cancer treatment and their families.
On Wednesday, Nationwide will see Donegal reporter Mary Harte visiting the Cancer Care West drop-in support clinic in Letterkenny to find out about the support that the Camino has funded.
Cameras followed the 2024 Donegal Camino on one of its most poignant days, when walkers literally walked on water from St Mary’s Church Kincasslagh across Cruit beach to the stunning Donegal Gaeltacht island, Oileáin na Cruite – Cruit Island.
Walkers enjoyed a surprise performance by Onóir, while local historian Kathleen Bonnar shared her wealth of knowledge on the island’s rich history, heritage and unique landscape.
It is thanks to the success of the Camino and other community initiatives that Cancer Care West can continue their vital work, bringing hope and support to Donegal cancer patients and their families.
Mary Harte meets with Dr John Donoghue who shares the progress and the challenges faced by those on a cancer journey in Donegal. In addition, they speak to patients who benefit from the service.
RTE Nationwide also follows Donegal Camino founder, Peggy Stringer and chair, Noel Cunningham on the stunning walk across Cruit island where they discuss their collective passion and vision for the Donegal Camino.
“I first walked with 5 people back in 2020,” says Peggy Stringer, founder of the Donegal Camino, “it’s exhilarating to see it grow so steadily and support so many people’s cancer journey, all of which is poignant. We’re so grateful to RTE Nationwide to share our story with their discerning viewers.”
“Cancer Care West Support Centre Letterkenny rely sole on fundraising and personal donations to fund its services”, says Noel Cunningham, chair of Donegal Camino and Cancer Care West Board member, “the demands on the services are increasing and RTE Nationwide will showcase the excellent work going on in Donegal and the resilience of the people along with the importance of the Donegal Camino to walking tourism in Donegal and of course the much needed cancer centre in Letterkenny.”
Richard Flaherty CEO of Cancer Care West, says, “The Donegal Camino is now our primary fundraising event which allows us to continue and grow our services at the Letterkenny support centre in Donegal. We’re very grateful to everyone involved in developing it, walking and fundraising. RTE Nationwide is a superb outlet for us to showcase the efforts and hard work which are ongoing in Donegal to deliver and improve the supports for those on a cancer journey across the county.”
Donegal Camino would like to thank the Cope store, Dungloe, the staff and members of Cruit Island Golf Club for their support with the Gallaghers Bakehouse picnic on the day and Onóir for their huge support in making the day so special. They also thanked other valued corporate sponsors and everyone who fundraised and supported the Donegal Camino with donations.
Donegal Camino 2025 will take place from Sunday 31st of August to Saturday 6th of September 2025.
The full itinerary will be announced in Spring 2025, and in the meantime you can register your interest for 2025 at register@donegalcamino.ie as places will be limited to 100 walkers per day in 2025. You can also become a sponsor of the Donegal Camino by emailing info@donegalcamino.ie and or simply make a donation by clicking the iDonate button on www.donegalcamino.ie
Tune into Nationwide on RTE One at 7pm this Wednesday to see the feature.
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