THE recently elected Lord Mayor of Dublin, Tom Brabazon, has announced details of the 15th annual Aware Harbour2Harbour Walk which will take place on St Patrick’s Day, Tuesday, March 17 from 10.30am.
Over 2,000 enthusiastic walkers are expected to take on the 16.2 mile/26km challenge, with the option of starting from Dun Laoghaire or Howth harbours
Suitable for most fitness levels, the walk will take participants along the scenic Dublin Bay route with a ‘Halfway Hooley’ hosted at Dublin Port Company’s public plaza. Participants can register at aware.ie/events at a cost of €25 per person.
The Harbour2Harbour Walk raised €91,248 last year and has raised €840,560 in total since it began in 2006. All funds raised will go towards Aware’s nationwide support, education and information services.
These include Support & Self Care Groups nationwide and a Support Line and Support Mail service, both of which operate 365 days a year.
Aware also delivers a range of positive mental health programmes to adults and senior cycle students nationwide, designed to build resilience and empower people with the skills and tools to cope with the challenges of modern, everyday life.
Dominic Layden, Aware CEO, said: “The Harbour2Harbour Walk offers the perfect excuse to get friends and family together to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in a fun and healthy way.
“As a result of this and other fundraising efforts, Aware is able to provide vital support services for individuals and families impacted by depression or bipolar disorder, as well as offering free positive mental health programmes for adults and senior cycle students nationwide.
“Thanks to the generous sponsorship from Dublin Port Company, every single penny raised from the Harbour2Harbour Walk will go towards these services, helping ensure that Aware continues to make a real difference in the lives of others throughout the year.”
Lord Mayor of Dublin Tom Brabazon added: “Aware do important work in Dublin and many other communities throughout the country in providing vital services to people suffering with mental health issues. I am thrilled to be here today to announce the annual Aware Harbour2Harbour Walk which has become a hugely popular family activity in Dublin on our country’s national day. I would like to thank Aware for inviting me to be involved and I hope everyone taking part in the Walk on the day has a wonderful time and a happy St. Patrick’s Day.”
Dublin Port Company is sponsoring the Dublin event for the sixth year running and will again host the ‘Halfway Hooley’ at their Port Centre, where participating groups travelling either direction can convene to enjoy some refreshments and festivities.
Speaking about their involvement, Eamonn O’Reilly, CEO at Dublin Port Company commented: “Dublin Port is once again delighted to throw its support behind the Harbour2Harbour Walk. With thousands set to take part it has become one of the fundraising highlights of the year. It is a great day that brings so many people together and it is the perfect way to see Dublin’s harbours, river and city all while raising funds for Aware. We look forward to welcoming walkers to Port Centre’s public plaza at the halfway stage and our team will be on hand with refreshments and plenty of support to all taking part in this great cause.”