A mile each Total 1000!
Met up at LauraLynn House with Jane McKenna who is the mum of Laura and Lynn. What a brave and inspirational woman. It was a priviledge to meet her and to have had a small part in Ireland's first children's hospice. She and Sarah and yet another Jane who are fundraisers at the Children's Sunshine Homes joined us for the final mile and the walk into the House.
On our return there was a wonderfuk crowd of staff and children cheering us and I found it very emotional. Tea and scones followed. Jane took us into LauraLynn House and showed us the wonderful dedication on the wall to Laura and Lynn. Laura had congenital heart disease and died when she was 4 years old, and on the day she died their only other child Lynn who was 13 was diagnosed with leukaemia. Lynn died two years later. It is 10 years since Jane and her husband Brendan lost Lynn. What strength they have. Jane has an optimism which is incredible. I hope seeing such a wonderful place giving support and solace to many families will also give you comfort. It makes me feel a very lucky parent.
We drove out of LauraLynn House in some disbelief that it was all over. But our work was not over, we still had a day of collecting back on Grafton Street. We had a good few hours and when fatigue hit we headed back to Dalkey to freshen up and then drive to Dundrum. We had another delicious meal with Eugene and Anne. Laura and Eion had dinner with us and entertained us! They are fabulous children.
Saturday 27th
Collected on Grafton Street until lunch time.
We all had lunch together and made the decision to enjoy our last few hours in Ireland. Consequently Annie and I went shopping, enjoying the great boutiques and small shops around Grafton Street. We even had time to explore Trinity College. Sam and Paul went to the pub to watch Ireland v England rugby match taking part at nearby Croake Park.
Home for dinner at Kathleen's and some car unpacking and packing.
Sunday 28th
Currently on the ferry heading for Holyhead. Great to have wi-fi! We were booked on the 08.05 ferry so hopefully home for the footie and then to my mums for dinner.
I can't believe I've been away from home for over 8 weeks and seen so much of this wonderful country. Ireland is truly a special place and the Irish have a warmth and humour that is unique. Thanks to you all for making this adventure happy and successful. The amount of good wishes will alst me a lifetime! If anyone is thinking of going to Irealnd I have many suggestions. In the back of my journal I have a list of places to return to. I also have made contact with my family and will keep in touch. A blanket invitation to you all -come over to Essex and you will be made very welcome.
Part of me is very sad that the walk is over and it will be back to reality in the next few days. Poor Paul is back to work on Tuesday, I at least have a week. Hopefully the donations will continue to come in over the next few weeks. Do remember both Little Havens Childen's Hospice and LauraLynn House if you win the lottery! We haven't worked out the total but it is in excess of £20,000. Perhaps you will all buy the book when it comes out too many good stories not to remember forever!
My thoughts over the past two months have often been with Fraser, Laura and Lynn, the three children who inspired us to walk. What short but special lives they lead.
Jane
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