The people of Ray in Donegal are remembering a special woman this month with a fundraising 5K.

The Ray Community Group in partnership with Donegal Sports Partnership are hosting an end of season Men and Women on the Move 5K at Ray Community Centre in memory of a beloved community member Bridget Mc Grath (Aiken) who died on 19th July 2017.

The Ray Community Group have planned the event on Saturday the 30th June in Bridget’s memory as she was a great supporter of the group’s activity projects.

Bridget, along with her siblings Kate, Richard and Davey (Men on the Move) joined the Women on the Move programme when it commenced in January 2016 and her husband Packie has since joined.

Bridget’s two children Ella May and PJ also take part in the Children on the Move programme.

As a result of the close connection with the Mc Grath/Aiken families, the Ray Community Group wanted to do something to remember Bridget and the family kindly agreed to let them host the 5K. Especially when the money raised is going to Cancer Care West. Bridget benefited from Cancer Care West’s services when she was receiving treatment at Galway University Hospital.

The late Bridget McGrath

A fond tribute has been shared for Bridget ahead of the event:

Bridget was a very special person, the kind of person that you were glad you knew. She lit up a room when she walked in and always seemed to be in good form with a great big smile on her face.

She was the youngest in her family and was loved by everyone who knew her especially all her nieces and nephews.

She spent a number of years working in England before returning to settle at home in Drumherrive. You may have known her from her years of working as a manager in Atlantic Homecare or Gary’s Petworld. She was delighted when she met and subsequently married Packie and then when her two children arrived her life was complete.

Unfortunately this was not to last and we were all devastated when we heard in the spring of 2016 about her cancer diagnosis which she fought bravely until her untimely death on Wednesday 19th July, only 11 months ago.

She is forever in our thoughts and the 5k in her memory is a small token from her community to show support to her family who have to deal with their devastating loss. May she rest in peace.

The 5K is also part of the Ray Community Group and Ray Ultra Men on the Movers fundraising drive to raise as much money as possible for the new Cancer Care West services on Pearse Road Letterkenny.

It is hoped that as many people as possible will join the 5K Saturday 30th June at Ray Community Centre, between Ramelton and Rathmullan.

Registration opens at 9am and the 5K starts at 10.30am. You can also preregister by contacting Liam at Ray Community Centre on 0864519656 and providing him with your name, age, male/female, run/walk, and any club you are representing.

If you prefer you can email your details to info@raycommunitygroup.com or send a PM on facebook. This race is also open to Athletics Ireland Athletes.