Current physical distancing requirements has prompted management at Milford Care Centre to consider how it could host its annual Memorial Walk.
This year, Milford Care Centre are asking the public to complete the walk from a distance in their own locality and in their own time, by doing 1km a day for five days, between Sunday, 3rd and Thursday, 7th May.
They are asking people to pledge the usual entry fee of €20 per family for doing so. Entry is via the Milford Hospice website.
Milford Care Centre Chief Executive Pat Quinlan commented: “The annual Memorial Walk, which normally sees a tremendous response from our supporters who walk the 5km in solidarity around the University of Limerick campus has become a very symbolic way of remembering our loved ones.
“We did not want to let the COVID-19 pandemic deny anyone the opportunity of doing the walk and that’s why we have decided to ask people to do it in their own space and time. While we may not be able to walk collectively, we can do so in spirit by doing the walk on our own or with members of our households, carrying the memories with us. “
Milford Hospice will hold a special blessing ceremony on Friday 8th May, which will be streamed live on their social media and will give all participants in the walk to virtually link up in solidarity to remember their bereaved.
This blessing ceremony will also serve to bring people together until they can arrange the annual ecumenical service usually held in Milford Church, which they have had to postpone.
“Like everyone else, we have had to adjust our normal way of operating to avoid the spread of the virus. It’s a trying time for everyone, especially here in Milford and I cannot thank all of the staff enough for their trojan commitment to caring for our patients and doing everything within their power to maintain a safe and healthy environment.”
“Each year Milford must raise in excess of €2m through its fundraising activities in order to be able to maintain its services. Clearly the rapid onset of COVID-19 will severely impact our fundraising capacity but, nonetheless, we remain committed to continue to deliver the best services that we can and to support patients and families throughout Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary in these difficult and unprecedented times.
“In this context, we need the public’s support now more than ever so we are appealing for their support by participating in the ‘Walk from a Distance’ event with us,” added Mr Quinlan.
Visit https://www.facebook.com/MilfordCareCentre for information on how to register for ‘Walk from a Distance’.
