After the historic milestone of passing the one million euros in fundraising for local charities the North West 10k Committee is now turning its attention to the 2026 run and walk event which will take place on Monday the 4th of May in Letterkenny.
That took a significant step forward at the 10k launch in the Mount Errigal Hotel on Monday night where the three charities for the 2026 charity run and walk were announced Chairperson Neil Martin. They are the Autism Family Support Group, Alcohol Forum Ireland Donegal Branch and the No Barriers Foundation.
The 29th North West 10k takes place on Monday 4th of May in Letterkenny. Over the past 28 years a total of just over 1 million and 19,000 euros has been raised for 41 charities. Mr Martin said the three charities would work together to maximise the money raised with a number of additional fundraising events to be organised ahead of the Charity Run and Walk. “It’s going to be a busy three months for the three charities but they are looking forward to the challenge. They all have their own reasons for doing it with the ultimate aim of improving the services that they deliver. As well as the money generated from the 10k there is the added bonus that the charities get a lot of media exposure over the next 12 weeks that enhances the public awareness of the work that they do. I want to sincerely thank our five principal sponsors Brian McCormick Sports, Century Complex, Donegal Daily, the Mount Errigal Hotel and the Value Centre for their support which allows us the scope to maximise the money that the charities gets when the cheques are presented after the 2026 North West 10k on the 4th of May” Mr Martin said.
Alcohol Forum Ireland Donegal Branch
For 20 years, Alcohol Forum Ireland has provided a range of programmes and supported hundreds of children, adults and families in Donegal who have been negatively impacted by alcohol harm. They work to support children including programmes for families where a parent is struggling with alcohol or other drug use. They also support adult family members and uniquely are the only charity in Ireland that provides support to adults who have developed a brain injury as a result of long term alcohol use.
No Barriers Foundation
No Barriers Foundation is an inclusive health and wellbeing charity and social enterprise that provides specialist rehabilitation, therapy and community exercise services for people of all abilities. Its CEO and founder Johnny Loughrey spoke on behalf of the organisation at the launch on Monday night.
At No Barriers, they offer inclusive and affordable health solutions, with a specialist team and equipment, allowing anyone, with or without a disability, to improve their current level of physical and mental health in the community. Through their integrated model of clinical expertise, accessible facilities and community partnerships, they support individuals and families to live healthier, more active and more connected lives.
Autism Family Support Group Letterkenny
At the launch on Monday night Chairperson Brenda Taylor spoke on behalf of the Autism Family Support Group. Among their aims are to create an environment where young people with Autism feel treasured while their parents and carers feel supported. Their mission is to support and educate young people. Also to support and educate parents and carers. Another objective is to spread autism awareness throughout the local Community
The AFSG’s core values include being there for its members, being efficient and transparent and value and respect each other. Their work is led by needs, informed by results and they focus on outcomes.
Neil Martin is chairman of the NW10K committee.
