County Derry schoolteacher does Camino walk for 'vital' cause

A County Derry schoolteacher invited to trek 120km to raise funds for a mental health charity says she 'absolutely didn't hesitate' because of the 'vital' service it provides the community.

Susan Uí Mhianáin, one of the founders of the Gaelcholáiste Dhoire in Dungiven, is currently in Italy as part of a 25-strong group walking the St Francis' Way Camino Challenge in aid of ALPS (All Lives are Precious).

She said: “My friend Nóra Ní Mhuirí, from Ballinascreen, does a lot of work with ALPS and when she asked me would I like to do this walk I said, 'absolutely; let's do it'.

“ALPS depends so much on volunteers and fundraising. They are involved in a lot of educational work, counselling and mental health awareness. They go into every sphere of the community, whether it be schools or workplaces, and, given the aftermath of covid, they're in high demand.

“As teachers at the coalface at a time when the educational system is under such pressure, it's very important we look after both the carers of children and the young people themselves.

“When ALPS come into schools, those conversations are had. Things are said that perhaps have never been said because teenagers are maybe embarrassed or uncomfortable, but these facilitators are so skilled at how to reach people that you then find the students come home and relay the information and debates that took place at school.”

Susan, who lives in Slaughtneil with husband Pádraig and children Cliodhna, Ruairí and Cathal, said that, in addition to being an educator, being a parent has also made her extremely mindful of the importance of good mental wellbeing in young people.

“As a mammy myself I'm very aware of the pressures that are on young people and they can't be underestimated; they are very real.

“That's why the work that charities like ALPS do is so vital. They bring a clear message that it's okay not to be okay and to reach out when you need help; I can't think of anything more precious than being able to give hope to people who are finding things tough.

“People have been so generous, both here in Slaughtneil and in the wider community. What's great is that I know this money will go directly to those services and not get lost in administration costs. To know that the proceeds of this walk are going to be of value to someone who will need it is just phenomenal.”

Susan and the group started out on the Camino last Friday and will finished their five-day walk yesterday evening (Tuesday).

She said: “The heat has been serious - it was 35 degrees on Sunday – but I'm thoroughly enjoying the experience with this group of lovely people of all ages, from 20s to 70s.

“My conversations with them nourish the soul, the mind and the heart, leaving me very humbled, grateful and counting my blessings for the wonderful family, friends and community I have.”

Those wishing to donate can visit Susan's GoFundMe page here