Tullamore woman’s barefoot climb in support of autism charity
Maureen Ward, a community advocate from Tullamore, completed a barefoot hike up the 'Stairway to Heaven' trail in Fermanagh to raise funds for the autism charity As I Am. The challenge successfully generated over €900 in donations.
Why it matters
The story highlights grassroots charitable efforts and the growing need for autism support resources within marginalized communities.
Two sisters living in Tullamore have completed a challenging charity hike in Fermanagh - with one walking it barefoot!
Maureen Ward, who works as an advocate for the Traveller community with the Athlone-based Minceirs Whiden organisation, took on the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, known as the 'Stairway to Heaven', in her bare feet.
She did so as a fundraiser for the As I Am autism charity and was supported on the hike by her sister, Nora Ward, who lives next door to her in Tullamore.
The pair hiked more than 7 miles to the top of the trail on Saturday last, August 1, and Maureen said she found the steps at the top of the 'stairway' particularly tough.
"The part that was the hardest on my feet was at the very top," she said. "The day after, my calves and quads were very sore but my feet were fine.
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