For the month of May I’m going to walk 10,000 steps a day to raise money for two charities that have helped me immensely throughout my illness and continue to offer advice, encouragement and support; East Galway & Midlands Cancer Support in Ballinasloe and Cancer Care West.

Now that I have finished my treatments and my scans and check ups are going well, I think it’s important that I ensure I stay well. To that end as I’m not someone who is great for gyms or working out, I do feel it’s important for my physical and mental health to do something to get me out, active, fit and interacting with others.  

So for the 31 day’s of May I will be out and about walking my 10,000 steps each day and I’m hoping that friends and family will join me on different days to encourage me, keep me going and have the chats while I try to raise money for both charities and get some sort of level of fitness. 

Unfortunately nobody knows when they, their family or friends may require the help or services, like I did from both these charities. Fortunately for me they were on hand every step of the way and now I want to help to ensure that when someone else needs them they can make as much use of these charities as I have. 

East Galway & Midlands Cancer Support based in Ballinasloe have given me so much since I was initially diagnosed in 2021. From counselling to alternative therapies, support groups and a safe haven. The services they provide to not just cancer patients but their families is invaluable and ran through donations and fundraisers just like mine. 

Prior to starting radiotherapy in Galway I was looking at having to travel up and down to Galway each week day for 4 weeks for treatment. At the time I was not long in my job and travelling either driving, getting lifts or public transport would mean I would be out of work for a month. This wasn’t practical or financially viable for me at the time. Thankfully I was able to avail of the accommodation provided by Cancer Care West in their lodge within the grounds of UCHG Inis Aoibhinn. I was lucky enough to be able to stay in Inis Aoibhinn from Monday to Friday, where I had my own en-suite room, meals provided and I could continue to work, then when it was time for my treatment make the 5 minute walk to the radiotherapy department, receive my daily treatment and get back to my room and continue to work. There was also 24 hour access to dedicated nursing and support staff and I could avail of all the services Cancer Care West offer. 

All funds raised here will go directly to these great causes. 

I hope you can help me by donating whatever you can.  Simply click the Donate button above. All donations are processed securely.

You can also share my page using Share options below. This is a great way to show your support.

Many Thanks for your support. Áine 

Ps. Don’t forget I need people to get me out walking to make sure I do my 10,000 steps a day, so please get in touch and arrange a day for a walk and a catch up!!!