Glenties Charity Crew Triumphs in German Challenge Despite Ferry Delay

UPDATE: A group of dedicated charity drivers from Glenties has successfully completed their ambitious trip to Germany to raise funds for North West STOP Suicide. Despite facing a staggering 21-hour ferry delay, the crew returned home to a hero’s welcome last night, united in their mission to honor their late friend, Kevin Quinn.

The team, consisting of Declan Boyle, Conor Quinn, Paul Quinn, Connell McDevitt, Ryan Hunter, Stephen Molloy, Liam McGeehan, and James McDyre, set off from Glenties at 5 AM on Friday, aiming to return by Sunday. However, they encountered significant delays as adverse weather forced their ferry from Dublin to remain at sea, unable to dock in Holyhead.

Once they finally reached land, the crew made a swift trip through the Channel Tunnel to France, continuing on to the famous Nürburgring racetrack. Here, they drove in memory of Kevin Quinn, who tragically passed away in 2021, fulfilling a promise to do something unique for him.

Declan Boyle, the chief organizer, expressed the emotional impact of their journey: “We wanted to do something different. Kevin loved cars, and all of us drove Toyota Avensis models, making it a fitting tribute.” The team even placed a small model car on Kevin’s grave, marking a poignant moment during their adventure.

In their efforts, the crew aimed to raise €10,000 for the charity, which provides essential support for those affected by suicide and mental health challenges. As of now, they have impressively gathered €31,000 through their GoFundMe page, with an additional €4,000 collected directly, pushing their total towards an ambitious €35,000 goal.

Declan noted the overwhelming support from the community upon their return: “It felt like Glenties winning the championship again. We were taken by surprise!” The team faced a detour through Brussels on their way back due to roadworks but remained in good spirits throughout the journey.

In a heartfelt thank you, Declan acknowledged the contributions of various sponsors who supported their mission, including Donegal Waste & Recycle, McCafferty’s Bar Group, and many others. Their generosity has played a crucial role in achieving the fundraising success the team has experienced.

As they celebrate their return and the funds raised, the Glenties charity crew encourages others to contribute and help them reach their target. Donations are still open through their GoFundMe link.

The impact of their journey extends beyond the funds raised; it’s a testament to friendship, community spirit, and raising awareness about mental health issues. The Glenties team has shown that even in the face of adversity, unity and purpose can drive significant change.

As the community rallies around them, this story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of support and action in the fight against suicide and mental health struggles.