An 80km walking challenge yesterday in memory of a wonderful Donegal mum came to a triumphant end yesterday evening.

Karol Friel, his children and his family were welcomed to Inver with open arms at the finish line of the ‘Walk and Talk For B’ journey.

Saturday’s fundraiser was organised in memory of Breda Gallagher-Friel who sadly passed away from cancer in August last year. The mum-of-three was well known throughout the community and loved nothing more than going for a walk and talk.

Karol, Breda and their children Daithí, Katie May and Odhran

After 15 hours on the road, Breda’s family had an emotional celebration yesterday evening in her homeplace at Inver Bay on the Atlantic Ocean. Watch the welcome parade here: https://www.facebook.com/walkandtalkforB/videos/349948013888049

The weather did its best to deter the walkers from the moment they started at 3.30am on Saturday morning in Newtowncunningham, where Breda, her husband Karol and their children lived.

Speaking ahead of the finish line, Karol said: “Today was a mixture of emotions. We had lashings of rain, headwinds, 80 kilometres sore legs and sore bodies, that’s life guys it’s not blue skies and sun all the time.”

Despite the hurdles, Karol and the team ploughed on through and challenged themselves to go into the unknown.

He said the challenge has given him purpose in the midst of grief: “Be a role model for those around you. Set an example for those to follow. Why not, what are we here for otherwise. Don’t endure this life, embrace it. Yes, it will throw up its challenges, It has for us, but what’s the point in giving up?”

Support for the Walk and Talk with B came from motorists in every town the team passed, and from further afield. Laura Cunningham Gallagher and the Donegal community in New York held their own Walk and Talk for B at Central Park.

All funds raised from the family’s challenge will go to Cancer Care West, Donegal Hospice, Marie Keating Foundation, Solace Donegal and The Good and New Cancer Charity.

To donate, please visit: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/11435175_walk–amp-amp-amp–talk-group-s-fundraising-page.html