Over 200 walk in West Cork to raise funds for Gaza

Over 200 people took part in the West Cork Walk4Gaza fundraiser on Saturday to raise awareness and funds for Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP).

Organised by the West Cork for Palestine group, the route commenced in Bantry and ended at Mizen Head.

In between, the event passed by locations such as Durrus, Ballyrisode and Goleen, which was intended to be a distance the length of the Gaza Strip.

The fundraiser saw participants walking, running and biking, with different individuals and groups from across West Cork participating including people from different backgrounds and professions.

According to the organisers, the aim of the event was to be an expression of solidarity and a way to show support for the resilience of the Palestinian people. While they added that the walk was intended to be more than just a fundraiser.

West Cork Walk4Gaza event organiser Sam Simpson said:

"Please continue to share and support our efforts for this desperately important cause, providing medical aid to the people of Gaza.

"To the hundreds of generous donors on this GoFundMe page and those who gave cash on the day, we are all part of something special and beautiful. A humanity that refuses to accept cruelty and injustice."

Mr Simpson also added that the kindness and the determination of the people, united in their cause, had an energy that was palpable.

“Motorists on the busy roads were patient, considerate and many showed their support, thanking the walkers and asking how they could make donations.

“There was singing on the beach at Ballyrisode, dancing on the street in Goleen, tea sandwiches and speeches on the Mizen Head.” 

“A huge thanks to the supporting army of volunteers from the local community who stepped up and gave of their time, their hearts and their energy. For the driving, the beautiful food so lovingly prepared and served, the music and the songs that lifted our spirits, the photographers, artists and stewards, those preparing and putting up posters and safety notices.” 

Over €25,000 has been raised on the West Cork Walk4Gaza GoFundMe page so far, which will remain active online for another two more weeks.

Anyone interested in making a donation towards the West Cork Walk4Gaza fundraiser can do so through the following link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/west-cork-walk-4-gaza