Fundraising walk to remember Ricky

Former Meath Chronicle advertising executive Ricky Walsh will be remembered at a 5km walk organised by his family to raise funds for Ballyjamesduff Cancer Support Fund this Sunday.

‘Walk in Memory of Ricky’ takes place at 12 noon on Sunday, 16th January, at New Inns, Lavey. Family and friends will gather to do the walk followed by a cup of tea as they remember Ricky while also raising money for a very deserving cause.

"Ballyjamesduff Cancer Support Group provided an exceptional service to our family in a time of need. This is one of many local cancer support groups throughout the country who do their best to make all our lives a little easier and less stressful as we collectively fight this terrible illness," said Ricky's daughter Donna Walsh-Geraghty.

"As a result of fundraising events such as ours, this fantastic charity has now expanded its reach to be able to provide its transportation services in additional areas around Ballyjamesduff including Lavey and Kilnaleck. Your donations, no matter how small, are greatly appreciated."

Ricky joined the Meath Chronicle staff in 1995 and worked there for over 20 years until his retirement in 2016. He sadly passed away from cancer a year ago.

Ricky (right) woke up one morning at the age of 28 to realise his sight had gone. He had already lost the sight of one eye after a childhood accident in Ballivor, but just after the birth of his eldest child, he lost the second.

Losing his sight so suddenly was life-changing, but with the right attitude and the support of a wife who wouldn’t let him “sit in the soft corner”, he went on to master computers, work in the newspaper and earn a college degree.

He encouraged other people with disabilities to follow their dreams of further education, after he graduated with a BA in humanities from Oscail, the national centre for distance learning at Dublin City University, in 2008.

Donations can be made online on the gofundme page 'Walk in Memory of Ricky.