Northern Ireland

'Virtual' walk in memory of Martin McGuinness set for September

On the Chieftain's Walk in Derry last year, former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams with Bernie McGuinness and her daughters Grainne and Fionnuala. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
On the Chieftain's Walk in Derry last year, former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams with Bernie McGuinness and her daughters Grainne and Fionnuala. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin On the Chieftain's Walk in Derry last year, former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams with Bernie McGuinness and her daughters Grainne and Fionnuala. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin

AN ANNUAL walk in memory of the late Martin McGuinness will take place this year in a virtual format.

The 'Chieftain's Walk' will be held on September 6 under the new format in line with Covid-19 public health restrictions.

The event had been scheduled to take place in March, with proceeds going towards the Martin McGuinness Peace Foundation, but it was postponed due to the pandemic.

Participants are being encouraged to carry out their own local 5km walks and post a photo online using the hashtag "#RememberTheChieftain".

Sinn Féin veteran and former Deputy First Minister Mr McGuinness died in March 2017.

A spokesman for the foundation said: "It was obviously hugely disappointing to have to postpone this year's Chieftain's Walk but it was clearly the right decision to make.

"Nevertheless, entries have remained open and we are greatly encouraged that people have continued to sign up to take part in the rescheduled walk in order to remember Martin and raise funds for the peace foundation established in his name.

"Therefore we are delighted that we are now in a position to announce Sunday September 6 as the date for the event to take place in a virtual format with people asked to undertake their own local 5km walks and people are encouraged to post a photo on social media using the hashtag: #RememberTheChieftain.

"These walks should only involve small groups in line with public health restrictions and can take place at any time throughout the day. As ever, all those who register or donate – whether they can do the walk or not – will still receive a special memento of the day."

The spokesman said it "may yet be possible for participants to walk together" if the public health advice changes further.

Visit https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/chieftainswalk2020 to register for the walk.