Brave priest is praised after long charity trek

An Irish priest who was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (MND) in February, has completed a 550km journey from the top to the bottom of Ireland raising almost €220,000 to aid research into the condition.

Dublin-based priest, Fr Tony Coote said the disease was a “very degenerating and difficult illness” but rather than complain about his situation, he set out to raise funds for research and for taking care of those suffering with the condition.

Big
 impact

Beginning in Letterkenny on July 10 and finishing in Cork’s Ballydehob on Monday, Fr Coote invited people to become part of ‘Walk While You Can’ and donate, walk, organise a fundraising event or offer accommodation to those doing the walk.

After travelling for almost a month, Fr Coote thanked all those who supported him on his journey and hopes that the money raised will make a big impact on treating sufferers of the illness.

“What a warm welcome I received from Ballydehob and west Cork. Crowds of people on the streets and led by three huge horses. Also. I had a fantastic reception in the community hall,” he told RTÉ Drivetime.

Motor Neurone Disease affects over 400 people in Ireland and there is still very little known about how it can be effectively treated. Fr Coote’s medication is 24-years-old and the Motor Neurone Disease Association can only provide three nurses, whose salaries are paid for by church gate collections.

For more information about ‘Walk While You Can’ and to donate, see: http://wwyc.ie/