Tallaght: Dad to walk 690km to raise funds after death of child
A TALLAGHT dad is in the middle of an epic 690km walk in memory of his daughter and to raise awareness about childhood cancer.
Tom Kelly (37) spoke to the Herald from Donegal where he is entering his sixth day of walking.
He departed from Malin Head, Ireland's most northerly point, and hopes to reach Mizen Head, Co Cork, by August 2.
His eldest daughter Leah was just seven when she lost her battle with cancer after being diagnosed with a brain tumour just eight months previously.
Last year her determined dad trekked from Dublin to Killarney and raised some €20k for two charities he found hugely helpful to his family.
Aoibheann's Pink Tie and Barretstown both offered valuable services to him and his wife Rachel during their ordeal.
"It's heart-breaking but the strength I get from her is what keeps me going," he added.
He is fundraising for both again this summer.
"I'm in quite a bit of pain at the moment," he admitted.
"I knew from the start it would be tough but I won't let any aches and pains put me off."
To donate people, simply log onto the Footprints for Leah Facebook page or the idonate page of the same name at www.idonate.ie/FootprintsForLeah.