Cork students help raise almost €130k through 'Camino for Cliona' walk

Three Cork schools took part in the second annual ‘Camino for Cliona’ event, which raised nearly €130,000 for families caring for sick children in Ireland.

Coláiste Mhuire Buttevant, Scoil Mhuire Kanturk, and Coláiste Mhuire Crosshaven were among the 21 schools across Munster and Leinster that participated in this year’s charity walk.

The five-day event saw 101 transition-year students, teachers and group leaders fly to Santiago in northern Spain to undertake the 114km route from Sarria to Santiago.

The trip took place after the group collectively raised €128,640 for Cliona’s Foundation, a charity that provides financial assistance to families caring for seriously ill children across the country. Funds raised will be used to help specifically with the non-medical costs associated with receiving a diagnosis.

Stones

The foundation was set up by Brendan and Terry Ring following the death of their daughter Cliona from an inoperable brain tumour in 2006, who students honoured at this year’s event by carrying stones throughout the walk that represented Cliona and all the other children who have succumbed to illness.

The charity has supported more than 1,400 families and last year distributed €502,000 across 27 counties, their largest amount ever, to families in need.

Grateful

Head of communications and fundraising at Cliona’s Foundation, Charlotte Kavanagh said: “It was a privilege to accompany this remarkable group of young people, leaders and teachers on our second Camino for Cliona’s.

“We are so grateful to the schools, parents and communities who supported the student’s fundraising efforts.

“The journey itself was truly inspirational and lifechanging,” she added.

“For me personally the trip was very special [and] I am so looking forward to 2025.”

Cliona’s Foundation are aiming to grow the annual event on a national scale and are calling on schools across the country to get in touch to apply for next year’s fundraiser. Cliona’s Foundation expects that up to 200 families will apply for financial assistance this year, and will need to raise a minimum of €500,000 to meet these applications.

To learn more about Cliona’s Foundation and the camino event, visit: https://clionas.ie.