Brian's 55-mile trek raises funds for Guide Dogs

A Rasharkin man has raised an amazing £5,544 for Guide Dogs NI by walking a 55 mile route which took him from Rasharkin to the Giant's Causeway.
Last month NI by walking from his home to the Giants Causeway - an amazing feat considering Brian was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration 8 years ago. Submitted imageLast month NI by walking from his home to the Giants Causeway - an amazing feat considering Brian was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration 8 years ago. Submitted image
Last month NI by walking from his home to the Giants Causeway - an amazing feat considering Brian was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration 8 years ago. Submitted image

Brian had a very special reason for wanting to help out Guide Dogs as he is currently on the waiting list for a guide dog of his own, having been diagnosed with Macular Degeneration eight years ago.

Brian’s walk started from his home in Rasharkin at 5am on Sunday 10th July, with his 19 yr old son Tiernan by his side.

“The atmosphere for the final 12 miles was fantastic. There’s been an awful lot of work that has gone into setting this up and I’d really like to thank St Mary’s GAC in Rasharkin and Terry Hasson from Rasharkin Healthy Club who have been behind me every step of the way”

Brian made it to the finish line at 7:15pm with 55 miles and over 14 hours of walking under his belt, walking the last few miles flanked by his children, twins Tiernan and Mairead (19).

“I was the proudest dad in the world, finishing with the twins at my side. The last 5 miles was a real slog but I was determined to finish on a high.” Said Brian “I wanted to prove to myself that even with my sight loss I can still achieve anything I set my mind to and I feel that I have done that.”

Lesley Macaulay from Guide Dogs NI said: “By challenging himself, Brian has raised a staggering amount for Guide Dogs NI but more importantly has inspired us all with his determination and to thank Brian for his efforts we’ve invited him to name a guide dog puppy.”