Diocesan News
Via Wings begin their Walk of Hope from Dromore to Dublin
Twenty people from Dromore charity Via Wings have set out on a Walk of Hope from Dromore to Dublin. Staff and volunteers will cover almost 100 miles over four days to raise awareness for mental health.
This is one of the charity’s biggest ventures so far and underlines their conviction that mental health difficulties are at the root of most of the problems they see in the course of their work.
Tori McKinstry, speaking on behalf of Via Wings explained: “For a depressed person on a bad day, the hardest thing to do is to get out of bed … to walk. As a staff team and with the help of volunteers, we are coming alongside one another to Walk in Hope, as a team of people who are passionate to raise awareness and spread the message that you are not alone.”
The group will walk through towns making connections with local mental health charities along the way and handing out small tokens of encouragement (below).
They aim to raise at least £5,000 which will go towards a therapeutic suite in their new building, providing therapies and relaxation techniques.
After a bacon buttie breakfast, the walkers left from Via Wings’ coffee shop, The Olive Branch, and Bishop Harold and the Dean of Dromore, Geoff Wilson, were there to see them off.
Bishop Harold said: “The Walk of Hope is is a real demonstration of Christlike compassion – anger at how lives are being destroyed by this illness matched with a love that wants to actually do something about it.
“Via Wings is very much in touch with the needs of this community and I am so impressed by how they have developed the work to meet each need as it surfaces. I wish them well on their journey and urge people to give as much support as they can.”
Find out more and donate through the JustGiving page here.
Route
• Day 1: Dromore – Newry
• Day 2: Newry to Castlebellingham
• Day 3: Castlebellingham to Julianstown
• Day 4: Julianstown to Dublin
For further information please contact:
Diocesan Communications Officer, Down & Dromore
07840 006899
Mrs Annette McGrath
dco@downdromorediocese.org