CHARITY walks have been heading off to increasingly glamorous locations, with sponsored strolls along the Great Wall of China becoming nearly as commonplace as the old five mile walk around the parish. Last Saturday the Rape Crisis Centre bucked the trend when 15 intrepid fund raisers headed off for the Ring of Kerry to walk the 130 mile Kerry Way in a week.
Accountant Gary Jermyn came up with the idea and roped in a group of enthusiastic friends including playwright Declan Hughes, radio producer Paul Russell, retailer Mark Heaton, Ali Hewson and Siobhan Manuel. Each one had to raise £1,000 in sponsorship, which of course goes directly to the charity, and they also had to pay all their own expenses.
Accountant to the stars Ossie Kilkenny chose not to walk but instead dropped in one day by sea plane to boost morale. He distributed T shirts even though the misty, damp weather required several layers more clothing and even more layers of good humour.