On August 1st and 2nd Drogheda man, Gerard Fay will undertake a special 24 Hour Charity Walk around O’Raghallaigh GFC grounds, Drogheda, in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland (CFAI). The walk, with a theme of “Memorial Miles”, will raise funds to be used for CF facilities throughout the country.

Gerard won’t be undertaking this 24 hour walk alone, people are encouraged to join him throughout the day and walk a mile in memory of a lost friend or loved one, hence the name “Memorial Miles”. Walkers are asked to donate €5 to walk themselves, or €10 for a family. Once they complete their mile, participants will be given a small memorial candle to light. Every walker will also receive a “Memorial Miles” certificate.

Another side to the fundraising on August 1st and 2nd, will be a “mileage guess”. By donating just €2, people can guess the total mileage that Gerard will walk over the 24 hours. The person with the closest guess will win a weekend away in the fabulous Ramada Viking Hotel in Waterford with two nights B&B and one evening meal.

Two years ago, “Memorial Miles” organiser, Gerard Fay, who is Chairman of the North Eastern branch of Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland set himself a target to personally raise €100,000 for CFAI. Over the past two years Gerard has raised €70,000 and hopes to raise a further €30,000 by the CFAI Annual Conference which is being held in Kilkenny next April, which he will walk to as part of his fundraising mission.

Speaking about his fundraising Gerard said “The Memorial Miles 24 Hour Walk is an opportunity for the others to get involved and honour the memory of their lost friends and loved ones, while at the same time raising funds that will help improve the lives of people living with Cystic Fibrosis throughout the country.” 

Other events planned as part of Gerard’s fundraising campaign include the Adidas Race Series of a 5 miles, 10 miles and a half marathon; the Great North Run; the Longford Marathon; the Dublin Marathon; and finally walking to next year’s CFAI Annual Conference.

To find out more on how to get involved, or to donate contact Gerard on (087) 2398881 or visit www.mycharity.ie/event/gerard_fays_event.