Walk while you can with Fr Tony Coote

Walking from Donegal to West Cork would be a challenge for even the fittest among us. But Dublin priest Fr Tony Coote, is taking on the journey, despite being recently diagnosed with motor neuron disease.

Having started on 10 July, “Walk While You Can” is the inspiring message he carries with him on his 550km trek in the hope of raising €250,000 to help carry out research and care for those affected by the plight of MND, for which there is no cure.

A former chaplain in UCD, Tony and his team plan to walk through Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Clare and Limerick before finishing in Ballydehob, West Cork on Friday 6 August.

Speaking about the walk, Fr Tony says he wants to use his precious time and voice to do something positive. He invites everyone to become part of “Walk While You Can”, by walking, donating, organising a fundraising event or offering moral support to himself and the team of six walkers.

Friend and ally Kevin Miney commends Fr Tony, describing how “he leaves a trail of awe and star struck people everywhere he goes. He has done a massive amount of hands-on work in raising awareness of both the homeless crisis and suicide across Ireland. He has helped so many people and that’s why this huge outpouring of support is not at all surprising.”

This time last year, the fit and healthy young priest could never have anticipated his fate. “None of us know when it might be their turn, and so I’m determined to turn my experience into a positive force for future generations of MND sufferers,” he explains.

Following the initial shock of his diagnosis, Tony resolved to do something positive. He found himself enveloped by an incurable illness, along with the lack of awareness surrounding MND.

With only three specialist nurses covering the 400 people living with MND in Ireland, Fr Tony decided that he would be the one to speak up for those who have sadly already lost their voices.

I feel very lucky to still be able to speak, as many people lose their voices very soon after diagnosis. I want all of them to know that, as I walk, I think of them and their families

“Walk While You Can” is about emphasising the need for further funding to support research and care for MND patients.

Selfless and ardent, Fr Tony says: “I want to highlight the devastation of motor neurone [disease] on the friends and families of those affected. In every parish I will walk through, I know there are people suffering.

“I feel very lucky to still be able to speak, as many people lose their voices very soon after diagnosis. I want all of them to know that, as I walk, I think of them and their families.

“I’m not afraid of death. Of course I am afraid of losing my independence and, even though I struggle with it, I get up every morning and say: ‘Lord, thank you for today. Please help me through the rest of it.’

“It is frustrating because everything is slower and takes longer, but I’m not angry. I don’t ask: ‘Why me?’ Things happen in life, and I leave myself in the hands of God and Jesus Christ, who I look forward to meeting anyway.”

Kevin Miney praises Fr Tony’s friends and past colleagues at University College Dublin for their never-ending help and kindness towards the initiative.

He also reports that Trinity College Dublin has been exemplary in both their efforts and attitude towards researching a cure for motor neurone disease. All funds raised along the way are being donated to Research Motor Neurone and to the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Although the disease has physically affected Tony and his normal everyday life, he continues his fantastic and kind work. This is commended by all. Indeed, communion classes from the parish of Kilmacud and Mount Merrion have donated half of their gifted funds to “Walk While You Can”.