Poignant walk to remember Imelda raises £15,000

A HEARTFELT and emotional walk through the autumn-clad pastures of Greencastle to remember the beautiful life and spirit of Imelda Tracey on her 20th anniversary has helped to raise more than £15,000 for a mental health charity.

Organised by the Traceys, Imelda’s loving family, the 5K remembrance walk underneath the bright September skies raised a fantastic £15,086.75 for ‘Zest’, based in Killyclogher.

Described as a person who ‘brought joy to those around her’, Imelda, who was a native of Greencastle, sadly died in September 2001 in New York, United States, where she had been working as a teaching assistant. She was aged 23.

This week, the Tracey family – Mary Tracey; Claire Tracey (O’Driscoill); Barry, Kieran, Seamus and Colum Tracey – have thanked everyone who supported the walk.

“The Tracey family would like to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation for all the support and generosity provided by the local and wider community on the recent charity walk for Imelda which took place on Saturday, September 18 in Greencastle,” they said.

“A sincere thanks, also, to the local people and businesses who kindly donated refreshments on the day.

“And a special thanks to the Greencastle community who so generously donated their time for the organisation of the hall and for stewarding the event,” the family added.

“The collective effort helped to successfully raise a grand total of £15,086.75, which was awarded to the charity, Zest.”

‘Healing the hurt’

Keeping the powerful motto of ‘healing the hurt of self-harm and suicide’ at the forefront of their vital work, Zest offers supportive care to people who are suffering emotional pain and hurt. Their aim is to provide a place of genuine acceptance, safety, and a living home to those who don’t feel accepted, safe, and are losing hope.

Every year, the charity helps more than 700 people from 11-years-old and upwards in the Western Trust area, through individual counselling, support for family and friends, and complementary therapies.

Margaret Hasson of Zest said that the ‘amazing’ amount raised will go directly into supplying client services at the charity’s Killyclogher office.

“I had the great pleasure to meet up with the family of Imelda Tracey, who raised an amazing £15,086.75,” she said. “Your kindness, support and generosity is gratefully appreciated.”

Margaret concluded, “It is okay not to feel okay. It is okay to be you. You are not alone.”

l If you, or someone you know, is in distress or despair, please call Zest on 028 7126 6999.