Paul James Mc Loughlin is preparing to undertake a mammoth walk between Letterkenny and Limerick in aid of Pieta House.
Originally from Limerick, Paul has been living in Letterkenny for the past ten years which is where he got the idea to trek the entire length of the route.
The walk covers over 300km, with Paul calling the event ‘Small Steps for Mental Health Awareness’ to show that small steps can be taken to help any situation you’re currently facing – no matter what that may be.
Speaking to Donegal Daily, he said: “I found Pieta House is a great organisation in helping people who need the help that is hard come by.
“I found Pieta House very helpful myself and what has inspired me to do this is the fact that you hear day in day out of people suffering with their mental health, and people taking their own lives because they can’t fight the battle going on in their heads by themselves.”
“With the services around Ireland not having enough support, it is down to the people themselves to stand up and take action.
“I have friends who have suffered and are suffering and I would hate to think that they were alone.”
Paul must not only mentally prepare, he also must be physically ready for the long road ahead.
“The training is a big difference to me as I wouldn’t be one to do much cardio, I like to train with weights. With an injury to my ankle, it will be a challenge in itself. Changing up my meals is a part of the training also which was a big change up for me.”
He estimates that the walk will be completed in approximately thirteen days.
He adds that every little helps with the fundraiser and is very appreciative for all of the support.
To donate to Paul’s fundraiser, you can follow this link:
https://give.everydayhero.com/ie/small-steps-to-mental-health-awareness/wizard/share
