Huge amounts for charities
VOLUNTARY GROUP AWARD
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FROM ONE small idea, a massive fundraising campaign has emerged and the people from the Coast to Coast group can be justifiably proud.
For they have, in the last seven years, raised a jaw-dropping €198,000 for cancer charities in County Wexford.
Based in the Ballycullane area, Coast to Coast was set up on the initiative of Brendan Browne, John Roche and Norman Fitzharris, who thought a cross-country pony trek could raise valuable funds for Breast Cancer and Hospice Homecare.
On July 23, 2004, eight horses and carriages and an entourage of helpers set out from Ballycullane and, after five days, they reached the Cliffs of Moher.
The collection, including money raised from advance fundraisers in the locality, came to an impressive €68,200.
They organised a similar trip to Killarney in 2006, this time raising an amazing €72,000.
A third trip took place in June 2008, this time to Spiddal in Galway, and with enthusiasm as high as ever they raised €58,000. The money went to Wexford Breast Cancer and Hospice Home Care.
A group of about 15 have been the core of Coast to Coast since its inception and their work has been immence.
In total they, and their ponies, have walked and trotted an impressive 500 miles.
Along the way they have held a huge array of functions and street collections across Wexford, Waterford and Carlow.
All participants have paid for their own accommodations on all trips, and funded the shelter of their animals during the jaunts from their own pockets.
This spirit of generosity, and giving has greatly benefitted the two charities they support.
