WE DID IT!!

Friday 26th
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

999 not out!

Wednesday 24th
All of us 10 Total 20 walking total 999
Had a leisurely morning at the d-Hotel. Annie and I walked into Drogheda and banked the collection money and did a little shopping, including buying a picnic for later.We then started our walk just outside Drogheda.
Annie and I initially walked to Bettystown, a very nice seaside town with a great beach. The sun came out and it felt positively warm. The next town along was Laytown with a unique church.

The front was the original facade but internally was very modern with a magnificant glass wall behind the altar overlooking the beach. The boys moaned their walk was boring along a fairly main road. Met up for our picnic on a very nice beach and enjoyed a nice hour of relaxation before it started spitting with rain.

Swapped walking partners and Sam and I walked down coast towards Rush. We were caught in an almighty hail storm, enough to set lots of car alarms off. This was practically the only day I didn't have my rain wear with me so I got absolutley soaked.

Finished the walk just outside Swords where were heading for. My cousin Joan and her husband Bobby kindly gave us a wonderful warm welcome, delicious food and comfy beds. It was great to meet their son Alan and his lovely family -wife Sandra and kids Sean and Amy.

Good luck Sean and Amy in your new schools! My cousin Mary's son also came in the evening. Thank you for coming to meet up Micheal and I wish you and Sarah-Jane all the very best with your new arrival -health and happiness to you all!

Thursday 25th
An early start and a rush hour drive into Dublin city centre after a great Irish breakfast, including Joan's homemade bread. I collected the permit from Pearse Street Garda Station and then we spent the day collecting in Grafton Street.

It was teeming with people but we had to compete with loads of other charity collectors and buskers. We did wonder whether we should put a little act on and get more attention! Quite a few relatives came and saw us which was really nice. In the late afternoon we headed for Dalkey where we were staying with Kathleen, Paul's aunt. She has a beautiful home and we were greeted with a lovely home cooked meal.

Drogheda

Tuesday 23rd
Sam 7 Paul 9 Total 16 Walking total 979
Paul up really early and did his walk before breakfast. His initial walk out of Drogheda not particularly wonderful, including sewage and cement plants but ended up better along mud flats with lots of sea birds.

View over mud flats



Job of counting - Note fancy light

 Paul and I then spent the day in the Scotch hall shopping centre collecting. We were given our own table and although it was a bit slow raised about E450. I was shattered at the end of the day and my legs ached far more than when I walk.
Got some great news that we definitley secured permits for Grafton Street later in the week. Annie spent day emailing and resending our final press release so hopefully the lats few days will see an increase in donations and interest.
In the evening there was excitement on the other side of the river to the hotel - a fire and the fire engines still there when we returned later in the evening. Great sunset over Drogheda from our hotel room.

Tomorrow is our last significant walk with the last mile on Friday to LauraLynn House. My legs tell me it's time to stop but I have so enjoyed the experience I really don't want it to end.
Jane

Old and new friends

Sunday 21^st – Paul and Annie 15 Sam and Jane 15 Greg and Kay 2.5 Total 25

Said goodbye to Simon’s Cottage and headed for Glenveagh National Park   where we decided to do some off road walking. Some old friends kindly joined us, driving all the way from Cavan. We have known Greg and Kay for 25 years and they are the kids godparents. It was lovely they were part of the adventure. 

Thank you also to all at Glenveagh for making the day so successful. We raised a fair amount of money, mainly from the staff and were given a free lunch. The walk certainly burnt off all the delicious calories. Sam and I walked along the bank of Lough Gartan past Glenveagh Castle into the valley.

Tonight staying at John and Eileen’s just outside Letterkenny, and I am sure these new friends will become old friends. We had a wonderful meal and enjoyed meeting their daughters Leanne and Karen and of course their delightful little grandson Joshua. 

Their home was so welcoming. Unfortunately Annie was poorly in the night so musical beds and not much sleep. The view that greeted us in the morning was terrific. Thank you John and Eileen for you fabulous generosity and welcome. You are always welcome in Blackmore!

Monday 22^nd Jane 4 Sam 4 Paul 5 Total 9

A large part of the day travelling through northern Ireland onto Louth. Annie slept most of the way and the sleep made her feel better.

A short walk planned between Dundalk and Drogheda before checking in at the d-Hotel in Drogheda – thanks a million for your great hospitality and generosity. Fabulous large room with great views. Spent almost an hour at the local Garda station, no haven’t done anything awful, just collecting the permit for tomorrow but the queue was so long.

Treated ourselves to a very nice meal at Salt House, a local restaurant run by an Australian and hence our unusual choices – crocodile, kangaroo, shark and sea bass(ok I was the boring one but I tried everyones elses and all very nice especially the crocodile!). Back now in the hotel bar having watched another Man U win.

Blog Update

A lack of quick internet (sorry Brian your dongle wasn’t  up too it!!!) and lots of socialising the blog has taken a back seat- but a catch up……

Saturday 20^th Feeling very tired

Sam and Annie 10 Total 10

Walking total 929

Sam and Annie had a lie in while Paul and I headed off for another day collecting in Letterkenny, where we met up with John and Eileen Walsh who had very kindly volunteered to help with the collection.  Positioned ourselves along the Main Street and although it appeared quiet we collected E660 which I think is brilliant – thanks to all those in Letterkenny!

Sam and Annie walked from Simon’s Cottage and enjoyed a scenic walk in intermittent sunshine.

Annie cooked fajitas tonight (very nice indeed)and we are getting ready to leave the cottage and head off for the Glenveigh National Park hopefully meeting up with friends who are on holiday.

Today was the first day I really can say I feel exhausted. I found it really hard to stand still collecting so I was pacing about – I  probably walked a mile or two! My legs feel really lead-like and all I want to do is have a restful evening but clearing up has to be done. Everyone is giving each other  a wide berth since tempers are a bit short tonight!! Tiredness and the knowledge we are coming to the end of the adventure is making us all feel a little grumpy!!!

Friday 19^th  The Fanad Peninsula

Jane and Annie 10 Paul and Sam 9.5 Total 19.5

Said our farewells to Alison and Cathy- thank you to you both for your generosity and company –we have really enjoyed you staying with us. Drove to the Fanad lighthouse and walked down the east coast of the peninsula. 

The wind was really strong and blowing in our faces the whole time. The boys got lost and we took a wrong turn do the first part of the walk was rather muddled. Great rugged scenery but we were all very tired from a difficult walk. Went to Brian and Sally’s for a delicious meal with all the family. Thanks to you all for helping make our stay in Downings so enjoyable and happy.

Thursday 18^th Letterkenny

Jane , Paul and Alison 1 Total 1

What kind parents we are allowing the kids a day off and for them it meant working their way through a House box set. Annie can now diagnose a subdural haematoma and do an emergency intubation!!!  Unfortunately poor Annie didn’t have a good start to the day. She received her AS level results and was very disappointed with them. I felt so sorry for her especially about her art result which she had worked so hard for.

Alison, Cathy and Paul’s mum Eileen came into Letterkenny with us and between us we collected most of the day in this very pleasant town. Collected E500 which was very good considering there wasn’t too many people about.

When we got back to Downings Alison, Paul and I took a wander up past the cottage to the top of the hill with some brilliant views –it was a clear late afternoon. 

I don’t see why we shouldn’t include that mile! I made fish supper and we sat up counting the collection and nattering. I will dearly miss working with Alison.

Wednesday 17^th  Atlantic Drive

Jane and Paul 10 Sam and Annie 10 Total 20

Paul and I got up early and walked the Atlantic Drive back down into Downings. It poured which was such a shame because the views were great. Got back for lunch and then had a bit of a rest, the weather turned really sunny in time for Sam and Annie’s walk over The Harry Blaney bridge into the Fanad peninsula.

My friend Alison and her lovely mum Cathy arrived  and are staying with us for a few nights.

 Up until recently Alison and I have been work colleagues at the City of London Migraine Clinic. It’s lovely to spend sometime catching up. Thank you for your lovely gifts –we shall savour the champagne when the 1000 have been walked. Spent the rest of the afternoon preparing for a barbeque for all the family. Brian and Sally with their kids Joshua and Grace and Sally’s nephew Robbie; Pauline and Eugene with their kids Michael and Ellie; and finally Patsy and Jimmy. Patsy is Eileen’s sister and Brain and Pauline are Paul’s cousins. Everyone seemd to enjoy themselves in the garden. The midges made us retire inside to a nice roaring fire. A little wine was savoured!

Tuesday 16^th Simon’s Cottage

Jane and Sam 7 Paul and Annie 7 Total 14

Walked in pairs, Paul and Annie walking from Dunfanahy and Sam and I from Doe Castle into Downings. Just outside Downings in Derrehassey is Simon’s Cottage which is the holiday home of  Paul’s cousin Brian and his wife Sally. Thank you to you both for your generosity. It is wonderful to have a few days in a proper home with all the mod cons, needless to say the washing machine was in action pdq!

Paul’s mum Eileen is on holiday here and so met up for a meal at her hotel which was very nice.

It's all uphill

Paul, Annie and Sam 8, Jane  Total 16


We had decided that today would be a bit of a rest day (only 8 miles each) so the day started well enough with a leisurely breakfast but Jane developed a migraine so went back to bed.
We (Sam, Annie and Paul) did our 8 mile walk, Sam taking the easier route and Annie and I taking the uphill route but we were rewarded by some great views. Do not believe this for a second, they were the same distance up and down. Sam.

No not this one - this one is Annie after conquering the hill.

This was the view

When we finished - Sam finished first as he walked downhill all the way (or maybe he's just a lot faster - Sam) - we had a picnic on the beach in front of the hotel - Jane had recovered by then.  We spent the afternoon lying on the beach  - warm enough if you kept out of the wind with a sweatshirt on.  Apparently it's the coldest summer in Ireland for a generation.

Lunch

R&R

You can walk for miles ...

We had another nice dinner in the hotel restaurant (the topics of discussion over dinner ranged from 'how long is a generation' to 'what is the definition of species' to 'what will be the man city score' - how cultured we are) and watched the end of the Man City match ....  shame about the result - none of us got it right!


Jane and Annie went to bed early leaving Sam and me in the bar to blog, have another guinness and draw some strange looks with our assortment of electronics (2 laptops, 1 tablet, 2 cameras, 1 smartphone and numerous leads) .... life in the modern world.

   

Feeling the miles

Jane and Paul 12 Sam and Annie 13.5 Total 25.5
Walked from near Portnoo to near Bunbeg. Paul and I walked together and the first part of our walk was scenic and the sun shone a little. As we walked around teh coast the scenery became a bit monotonous and desolate. We both really felt this walk and this evening I particularly am having problems getting up froma seated position! Once I get going I'm alright, it's the first few steps that are painful. It's not a pretty sight really. Paul is getting a lot of pain in his feet, ankles and knees - not much left!
Sam and Annie had a rather  nice end to their walk with some very nice scenery particularly of broad sandy beaches.

Annie had a rather unusual experience on her wlak, a dog she was trying to be friendly with got the wrong message and started humping her leg!! Big brother came to the rescue and managed to get the dog off!

the scoundrel before the event!!

They were relating the story to a lady in the village who said the dog is a scoundrel (mmm). We did in fact nearly run the blighter over when we drove through the village later, thinks it owns the place! Thank you to that nice lady also for your vey kind donation,
Staying at Ostan Gweedore Hotel, thank you for your generous discount. Our hotel room has a wonderful view of the beach and little islands.

view from our room

Fabulous meal in the restaurant overlooking the sea. Currently sitting in the bar listening to a singer and having a drink and summoning the strength to climb the stairs to go bed!

Miles are clocking up -now done 847.5 miles. We are a bit sore but overall I am enjoying the experience so much and really don't want it to end. I think over the past few weeks I haven't laughed so much or felt so happy for a long time. The only things I am missing are my lovely mum, Maisie and Lulu and my comfy bed! Speak most days to my mum and I know she is really missing us all. She has a map of Irealnd and is plotting our journey  - she keeps saying were are nearly there!