Cork dad to walk 187km to Dingle in honour of late daughter
Finbarr Buttimer, under the Shandon Bells as his walk from Cork to Dingle got underway last week.
A Cork man is walking 187 kilometres from his home in Cork city to Dingle in honour of his late daughter Nóra, who sadly passed away due to complications at birth last year.
Finbarr Buttimer’s journey aims to raise funds for two charities that provide critical support to bereaved parents - Féileacáin and FirstLight.
What began as a goal of €2,000 has grown substantially, as to date, over €17,000 has been raised, with support coming from across Ireland and beyond.
Mr Buttimer said: “Each and every donation is a statement of support for bereaved parents and a message to Nóra to say, ‘I’m thinking of you’. My deepest thanks to everyone who has supported us so far. By donating, you are supporting two incredible causes.”
He explained: “FirstLight were there for us during the darkest time of our lives. They offered us essential counselling support at no cost, helping to process the trauma and grief over what happened to Nóra.
“They were, and still are, a lifeline for parents like us, and it’s not an exaggeration to say that without them we wouldn’t be anywhere near being able to rebuild our lives.
“Féileacáin is a charity made up of the most incredible, compassionate people who all share the experience of losing a child.
“On a dark evening in February, I started playing 5-a-side with the Féileacáin Fathers Cork team and haven’t looked back since. It’s a space where I can feel less different, less alone, and let it all out on the pitch.
“In August, I hope to have the honour of playing with Nóra’s name on my jersey and fellow dads by my side. It’s also thanks to Féileacáin that we have mementoes of Nóra, like a lock of her hair and prints of her hands and feet. These are beyond treasured.
“Féileacáin provides other supports to bereaved parents like group therapy, pregnancy after loss support, and support for other children in families who have suffered a loss.”
Donations are welcome at https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/WalkToDingleForNora, and as he progresses along the route, Mr Buttimer is documenting his experience with daily updates on Instagram (@finbarrformerlybaz).
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