Starting last Thursday, 12th May, Eileen Crowe Lynch took off on a 1,500 kilometre walk all along the Wild Atlantic Way which she hopes to finish around June 12th, all to raise money for the Jack and Jill Foundation.
"Walk on the Wild Side for Jack and Jill" is the name of Eileen's adventure and it's all in aid of the charity that played such a huge part in her grand-nephew's life.
The foundation helps support nearly 2,000 children nationwide with home nursing care and they have gotten behind Eileen as she sets off on her amazing journey.
We spoke to Eileen at the end of her first day on the trail to see how she found preparing for the challenge.
"The last few weeks have been tough, trying to organise all the fundraising but I feel a weight has been lifted now that I've started. Trying to get the word out to the counties that I'll be passing through I found all that very stressful."
But it is all for a great cause and one that is close to Eileen's heart.
Her grand-nephew Alister is four-years-old and she told us a little about him and his family's story: "[Jack and Jill] were so good to my grand-nephew. They have supported him over the last four years."
"Alister was born January four years ago, and from the moment he was born we realised he had multiple medical conditions. I couldn't even list them all there are so many," she explained of his condition.
"He was born without sight and for the rest of his life will need to be fed through a tube. He's brain damaged and can't communicate very well but he is a beautiful child."
Jack and Jill acted as a lifeline for Alister and his family and helped his parents cope with the situation they were faced with.
"They made their lives livable. It's time consuming and extremely stressful," Eileen explained.
And as much as she wanted to be able to help, Eileen said she couldn't meet Alister's needs.
"I just couldn't step in and mind him for an hour. He's prone to have seizures at any moment and can only be cared for by medically trained staff."
This has put huge strain on their family as it restricts them from being able to go anywhere for too long a time: "It's very rare that the whole family can get out together."
Alister is now four-years-old which means he has outgrown Jack and Jill but that doesn't stop his family wanting to give back to the people who helped them so much.
"Ciara, his mother, would like to give back to Jack and Jill after all they've done and to all the families they could help. Even since I started this campaign, I've met so many people have told me their story of how Jack and Jill has supported them," she said to MummyPages.
But how did this all come about? Well, Eileen spoke about the inspiration behind the challenge by saying:
"It all started in August of last year for me where there was an awareness challenge for children with special needs to walk up Croagh Patrick four times in one day."
Having succeeded in the challenge, Eileen was then inspired to do something more.
"I hadn't even thought of doing something for Jack and Jill at this point and people said that if they knew I was doing [the Croagh Patrick challenge] they would have sponsored me. So I thought, 'there's an idea'."
Walking all along the Wild Atlantic Way, Eileen is getting to see some of the most incredible views Ireland has to offer as she tries to raise as much money and awareness as she can.
"It's great to give something back and to see the country. What I've seen today is just incredible and the people I've met so far have been so friendly.
"It's an experience of a lifetime and for some good to come out of it as well makes it even better."
Being regularly stopped on her journey by strangers to congratulate her, this woman's journey is touching a lot of people's hearts.
"It's nice to know you're helping people all over the country."
No doubt Eileen's efforts will encourage people to donate, but what about those who want to do more?
Well she had some advice for anyone who is thinking about beginning a challenge of their own.
"From my own experience just plan it well. I could've done with a little team with me but I'm just an ordinary person working in a shop.
"But if you have the support of people you can do anything I think.
"My friends and family have been amazing but if I had been more prepared earlier I would've been less stressed.
"Challenge yourself, it's amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it."
People can support Eileen’s fundraiser via her Facebook page ‘Walk on the Wild Side for Jack and Jill’ and by sponsoring her online or posting a cheque made payable to ‘Jack and Jill Walking Fundraiser’ c/o Eileen Crowe Lynch, Gortatleva, Claregalway, Co. Galway.
There are also collection boxes in Glynns Centra, Carnmore, and most shops and restaurants in Carnmore/Claregalway.
According to Eileen, “Any contribution no matter how small is very much appreciated… together we can make a big difference.”
