By Michelle Crean

After an absence of three years the popular Killarney Branch Kerry Hospice Good Friday Walk is back and looking for your support.

The annual fundraising walk is in memory of Vivien O’Shea, Sheila McGillycuddy, and all who passed away with life-limiting illnesses.

Registration is from 9.30am at The Garden Restaurant, Muckross House on the day and the walk begins at 10.30am.

There is a choice of two routes, an 8km walk from the Garden Restaurant via Dinis Cottage and a section of Torc Trail and return. The second shorter route is 6km from the Garden Restaurant to Brickeen Bridge and back.

There will also be fun quiz questions along the way for the kids and adults to enjoy.

There is no registration fee as there's a bucket collection on the day. Raffle tickets will also be on sale for some lovely spot prizes and complementary tea/coffee on return.

“Bring the entire family along and enjoy a leisurely walk through our stunning National Park while supporting a very worthy local charity,” Julett Culloty, Secretary, said.

"Suitable footwear is necessary in the interests of health and safety, especially along the section of the Torc Trail."

Voluntary service

Kerry Hospice Foundation is a voluntary organisation dedicated to providing palliative care services to people with life-limiting illnesses. This care, which is free of charge, is provided at the foundation's 15 bed inpatient unit and Palliative Day Care Unit at University Hospital Kerry and also through the Home Nursing Scheme.

Kerry Hospice Foundation has to raise €400,000 annually to co-fund the running of the new inpatient unit in conjunction with the HSE.

Additionally, it costs €100,000 to fund the remaining services. Since the Kerry Hospice Foundation was founded in 1990 the people of Kerry have been very generous supporters, donating in excess of €11 million  through various fundraising activities.

The magnificent palliative care facilities, now available at University Hospital Kerry, are a testament to their generosity.

"As our late departed county fundraiser Chairman, Ted Moynihan, used to say, “You may never need the hospice, but the hospice needs you”."

The walk is one of many taking place around the county. If unable to participate you can donate online by going to www.kerryhospice.com.