Longford lads take on poignant 60km walk today as 60 men die by suicide every hour
Former Longford GAA star Mickey Quinn and well-known athlete are leading the charge for the When No One's Watching (WNOW) cause
The men from WNOW Ireland will walk 60km today in honour of the 60 men who take their own lives every hour around the world, including a passionate Longford contingent.
WNOW began when two well-known Irish men, former footballer Tadhg Kennelly and men's health advocate Dave Eccles, looked out for one another. It’s now turned into a global movement where over 3,000 men from around the world show up for each other every week.
WNOW in Longford is a popular men's wellness and fitness movement led by former Longford GAA star Mickey Quinn. The local chapter meets every Friday morning at 6.30am at the Killoe Young Emmets GAA Club grounds. Sessions consist of bodyweight exercises followed by coffee and an open, judgement-free chat.
The worldwide WNOW 60km walk started in Sydney five years ago. This year will be the first time WNOW Chapters in Ireland have come together to take on the same challenge.
WNOW is a not-for-profit charity focused on men's mental health and wellbeing.
The 60km walk is a fundraiser and raises money to help men of all ages and from all walks of life. It provides support and programmes for men to connect as well as running the charity's weekly Sunrise Clubs.
"It's a wonderful cause and all of us at Longford Sports Partnership are thrilled to be supporting the WNOW Ireland groups on their 60for60 walk," said Donal Mulligan, from Longford Sports Partnership.
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Mickey Quinn, who leads the WNOW Longford Group, said: "We're taking on the challenge on Friday, July 24, and are starting off at the athletics track here in Longford and heading out on the Royal Canal to Ballymahon and then turning back towards Longford.
“We're delighted to be able to host it this year in Longford and make more people aware of WNOW and whats available within the group," he added.
There is more information on the walk available on the WNOW website and if you'd like to donate you can do so HERE.