Aware’s harbour walk goes national

Dublin People 12 Mar 2016

Pat Ward of Dublin Port, Drew Flood from Aware and Aware volunteer director Bernard Brogan pictured at Dublin Port ahead of the walk. PHOTO: CONOR MCCABE

THE annual Aware Harbour2Harbour Walk taking place on St Patrick’s Day is going national this year.

The poplar day out that started 11 years ago with participants walking from Dun Laoghaire and Howth is now taking place in Cork and Galway.

Every year €40,000 is raised and all funds go to Aware’s nationwide support, education and information services.

Launching the day’s activities at Dublin Port, Aware volunteer director and Dublin All-Ireland winner, Bernard Brogan, said it was fantastic that Aware’s St Patricks’ Day fundraiser is going national.

“There’s a really important link between exercise and mental health and this is a brilliant opportunity to get involved, get your heart pumping and be part of what is really just a big, happy day out,” he said. “It’s a great event to do with friends and family or a perfect way to set yourself a solo challenge.”

The Harbour2Harbour Walks take participants along some of Europe’s most scenic seafront routes in the three counties. In Dublin over 2,000 people are expected to take part with a 26km route between Howth and Dun Laoghaire Harbours; in Cork the spectacular Carrigaline to Crosshaven route offers a 5k or 10k option, and in Galway the 8km route takes in Salthill Prom, South Park and Mutton Island.

The Dublin Port Company is sponsoring the capital’s event for the second year running and will provide a fun-filled halfway point at Berth 18, close to the Eastlink toll bridge in the capital.

Pat Ward, Head of Corporate Services with Dublin Port Company said: “The Aware Harbour2Harbour Walk showcases the exceptional beauty of Dublin Bay and the port itself, something which we should all be very proud of.

“I’ve no doubt Berth 18 will be a welcome stop-off again this year as people reach the halfway point. We are proud to help Aware make this a really enjoyable event.”

Online registration for the Harbour2Harbour Walk is available on aware.ie. Participants are encouraged to raise sponsorship from colleagues, friends and family, with all funds raised going to Aware’s nationwide depression support, education and information services.

Aware also provides extensive services throughout Dublin and more information is available on the website. The Aware Harbour2Harbour Walks 2016 are supported by Dublin Port Company, 98FM (Dublin), Red FM (Cork) and Galway Bay FM.