A 69-year-old Cork woman is walking a total of 70km this week ahead of her 70th birthday on April 27, raising vital funds for charity during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cork Samaritan volunteer Mary Davies is walking a kilometre for each day of her life, this week in support of Cork ARC Cancer Support House and Cork Samaritans.

The Monkstown native loves to walk and sing and has combined both hobbies in her fundraising initiative.

Speaking about the initiative she said: “Having already completed the Camino Frances I was planning to mark the big birthday by walking from Santiago to Finisterre with my walking buddies, but alas that won't happen any time soon.

“So, I'm staying local instead and will walk 70km between now and next Sunday and I'll sing all the way.

“I could stay home for the next seven days and wait for a very muted celebration, or, go out there, do my thing and encourage others to join in wherever they might be. Do a bit of exercise at or near home and sing your heads off like there's no one listening.” Mrs Davies is walking a total of 10km each day until the end of this week while staying within a 2km radius of her home in Monkstown.

A GoFundMe page has been set up and all money raised will go to charities with whom Mrs Davies has a close connection with.

Mrs Davies is supporting Cork Samaritans who are now busier than ever supporting people who are struggling to cope during the current pandemic.

The Samaritans continue to listen to people without judgement or pressure and are helping people by suggesting ways to cope during lockdown.

She is also supporting Cork ARC, a cancer support charity which provides a holistic centre where people with cancer and their families can find emotional support, bereavement support, practical help and trust.

Cork ARC’s aim is to provide therapies that complement the medical model and adhere to best practice, so as to make a difference to the lives of those affected by cancer.

You can support her efforts here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/walk-amp-sing/