Three local charities have been chosen to benefit from the proceeds of this year’s North West 10K fundraiser, it has been announced.
St. Bernadette’s Special School, Multiple Sclerosis Donegal Branch and Letterkenny Community Development Project CLG were announced as the benefitting charities at the formal launch of the 10K run/walk tonight.
The 26th annual North West 10k will take place on the Bank Holiday Monday, May 1st in Letterkenny.
2022 winner Mark Grennan had the honours of launching the 2023 event. The Letterkenny AC runner praised the incredible atmosphere and the community effort that makes the run/walk such a success each year. “It’s not about the people at the front, it’s about the money raised and the charities and the people of Letterkenny,” Mark said.
Over the next eight weeks, the chosen charities will be out in force, fundraising and raising awareness of the vital work they do supporting people across Donegal.
Multiple Sclerosis Donegal Branch
Letterkenny CDP
St Bernadette’s Special School
The overall total raised since the Northwest 10k started in 1997 is now €903,000. As the committee eyes the one million mark, either in 2023 or 2024, Chairperson Neil Martin said it is a remarkable achievement for the volunteers to have supported almost 40 local causes.
He also expressed his appreciation to the five sponsors: DonegalDaily.com, Brian McCormick Interpsport, Century Cinemas, the Mount Errigal Hotel and the Value Centre. Mr Martin acknowledged the work done annually by the Gardai under the direction of Sergeant Eunan Walsh who worked closely with the 10k Traffic and Route Management members Neily McDaid and Brendan McDaid.
Mayor of Letterkenny Donal ‘Mandy’ Kelly said that he had no doubt that this year’s event will be a success as the Northwest 10K continues to grow. The money raised will change lives, he said.
Cathaoirleach of Donegal, Cllr Liam Blaney, encouraged the charities to seize the opportunity to take on the fundraising challenge and reap the benefits n May.
Representatives of each of the three charities expressed their delight at being selected and outlined how the funds raised will benefit people in Donegal:
John Haran, principal of St. Bernadette’s Special School Letterkenny, outlined that the school plans use the funds to purchase a wheelchair-accessible bus for pupils with disabilities to go on trips, group outings and attend work experience.
Margaret Toner of the Letterkenny CDP said the funds their charity receives will be used for funding programmes in the community, such as the new IT hub and IT skills courses.
Clement Clarke of the MS Donegal Branch, which supports around 330 people, said that money raised will go towards physiotherapy, yoga, days out and direct assistance for people with MS in Donegal.
People are now being urged to get registered, get training and get the word out to support the Northwest 10k charities of 2023.
Online entries are now being taken for May’s event by going to https://www.njuko.net/nw_10k_2023/select_competition where runners and walkers will find all the information required. Sponsorship cards are available from committee members and the benefitting charities.
