Bríd Sweeney sees out her 366-day charity walk - with a broken arm and €23k raised

Bríd ‘Winnie’ Sweeney’s heartfelt pledge to walk every single day throughout the calendar year of 2024 has raised over €20,000 for Donegal Cancer Flights and Services - even with her completing the final week with a bone broken in her arm.

Bríd, who is from Loughanure, set a target of €5,000 at the start of last year and as she continued to put in the steps with great support, that target swole. On New Year’s Eve, the money was counted at Casadh an tSúgáin and an amazing €23,675 was gathered, with the GoFundMe Bríd Winnie's 366-day walk challenge 2024, still open.

“Last week, I tripped on cobblestone pavement on a visit to my daughter, breaking the humerus bone in my elbow,” Bríd told DonegalLive after she ended up at St James’ Hospital on St Stephen’s Day. However, undeterred, she saw out the challenge of the entire 366 days - as 2024 was a leap year.

“At 12 o’clock today, the final walk was complete,” she posted on New Year’s Eve. “Up until last night, I wasn’t sure if we’d reach the ambitious €20,000 target. What started as a €5,000 goal grew to €10,000, then €15,000.

“I prayed we might somehow reach €20,000, but I truly didn’t know until the last minute. And then, Mary Coyle announced the incredible total: €23,675—and counting! People are still donating through the GoFundMe page.

“Along with Keith Boyd’s efforts, which raised over €4,000, we are on the brink of an astounding €29,000 altogether. This is a phenomenal amount of money and a lifeline for a vital service that relies entirely on the generosity of people like you.

“I am absolutely overjoyed and humbled by your generosity. Each and every one of you who donated to this challenge has made a real difference. While there are so many people to thank, I fear leaving someone out. So, to everyone who contributed in any way: Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

READ NEXT: 'No call' for fuss says Ruby Druce as Castlefin woman celebrates 109th birthday

“A few special mentions are in order, Casadh An TSúgainTSúgain: Thank you Joe and Rose for hosting today’s event and providing soup, sandwiches, and refreshments to everyone who returned from the walk. Roxy and the Corner Boys: Your music made the day extra special. The staff at Casadh an tSúgáin: You got up early on New Year’s Eve to open your doors and serve us all. Thank you for your kindness and hard work - Joe, Sara, Eamon, Pat, Mollai and Ciara.

“Local businesses: Your generous donations of money, clothing, trainers, coats, jackets, and hats kept me warm and comfortable throughout the year. I’m so grateful for your support. To my family and friends: You’ve been my rock, always there for me, offering help, encouragement, and companionship. To those who joined me on my walks, sent messages, or gave me a call - you kept me going.

"A special thanks to Emma Grubb Walsh, who woke up every morning at 5:45am, to walk with me, no matter the weather. Emma, your dedication and encouragement meant the world. To everyone who helped organise - Joan Rodgers, Clodagh Black, James and Ben and so many more - you made the final day unforgettable. Mairead Harkin McGee: thank you for taking the photos today as I was not able to! You are an amazing friend to me all year and keep up the good work.

Donegal Cancer Flights and Services is based in Ionad Naomh Padraig in Gweedore. This charity provides community support for cancer patients, with flights from Donegal Airport to Dublin, as well as ground transport to appointments in Galway, Roscommon, Sligo, Derry and Letterkenny. This charity also provides free counselling services, support and pamper days for cancer patients and their families.

“To the Donegal Cancer Taxi Services Committee: I hope this money helps you continue the incredible work you do for cancer patients and their families,” Bríd added. “Your service is a lifeline for those in our remote community, ensuring they can travel for treatment with comfort and dignity. You are heroes in every sense of the word. And finally, to all of you reading this, please give yourselves the biggest round of applause for making today, and this entire year, such a success. I couldn’t have done this without you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. With gratitude and love, Bríd Winnie.”