Aura Trim colleagues walking 1,000km to raise funds for Meath River Rescue

Fundraiser Audrey Barry has set herself a huge challenge this September, walking 1,000 kilometres to raise funds for Meath River Rescue. Alongside her Aura Trim Leisure Centre colleague Reece Dooris, she is determined to support the voluntary service that she says has touched countless families across the county.

“Everybody in this town has been touched by someone who’s drowned in the River Boyne,” said Audrey. “They’re on the front line. One week during the summer, they pulled six people from rivers in the area. And the fact that it’s all voluntary, they’re out in all kinds of weather, they’re just amazing.”

Last Christmas, she said, the group’s dedication hit home. “They spent the whole Christmas on call. That really got me, and I decided I had to do something again.”

Now in their second week, Audrey and Reece, a lifeguard and swim teacher at Aura Trim are steadily racking up the distance.

“We’ve been tracking everything on our Fitbits,” Audrey explained. “It could be running in the morning, walking in the evening, or just adding up our steps from work during the day. It all counts.”

Although a short spell of illness has set Audrey back slightly, the pair are confident of meeting their target by the end of September.

“We’re about 20k behind, but a good long walk will sort that,” she said.

Support from the community has been strong. “People have even offered to donate steps to us if we fall short. I’ve done that for other fundraisers myself, so it’s lovely to know people will chip in if we need it.”

The duo have also set up a book station at Aura, where members can swap or take a book and drop a donation in the box for Meath River Rescue.

Their overall fundraising goal is €1,000, with every euro going directly to the service. “Whatever it’s used for, equipment, training, fuel it will be vital. The service is such a lifeline locally.”

Audrey is no stranger to fundraising. Over the years she has organised events for Hugh’s House, Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, the Irish Heart Foundation, and local hospice services.

Her efforts have included road races, cake and book sales, and even a skydive. “I jumped out of an airplane last summer,” she laughed.

Asked what motivates her, Audrey’s answer is simple. “There’s always someone worse off. I can walk, I can run, I’m fit and able now. But in a few years, I might need help. Someone in my family might need help. That’s what drives me.”

Some of the causes she’s supported are very close to home. “My mam was in the hospice, so I wanted to give back. Heart conditions run in my family, so I supported the Heart Foundation. And the River Rescue is something that touches everyone locally. You don’t like to think about it, but nearly every family has been affected at some stage.”

For Audrey, every step counts. “Our community needs these services,” she said. “If walking or running a few kilometres can help, then why not? It’s worth every bit of effort.”