Putting a best foot forward for Mainstay DRP

Putting a best foot forward for Mainstay DRP

19 February 2014

SUPPORTERS of local support charity Mainstay DRP will undertake a fundraising walk along the historic Camino de Santiagio in Spain later this year.

Thirty local people will walk the last 100km of the Camino, also known as the French Way, during the challenge from May 3-10.

Pilgrims from all over the world have walked the Camino de Santiago for centuries, following the various paths on their way to Santiago de Compostela and the tomb of St. James.

The challenge for the Mainstay DRP trekkers is to undertake the pilgrimage while raising money to build new homes and services for people with learning disabilities and autism in the Downpatrick area.

Mainstay DRP was originally called Downe Residential Project, when it was launched as a charity in 1989 by a group of committed parents and carers whose prime aim was to provide and develop a range of quality care and support services for people with a learning disability and also for their families and carers

In November 2010, the project changed its name to Mainstay DRP to reflect its expansion beyond residential care into supported housing, day-care, respite and vocational training services.

Mainstay DRP executive officer, Jim Mulholland, explained that the charity had chosen this particular challenge because of the inspiration it would offer participants.

“To find yourself, to help others or simply to get back to nature, the Camino is a unique experience that inspires many even after the journey is over,” he said.

“It is a life changing trip for you and for the people you are raising money to help.

“When you sign up you will be assigned a personal, dedicated support officer who will help you in developing fundraising ideas, marketing your fundraising events and executing your plans.”

Twenty six supporters have already signed up to trek this famous walk. There are just four remaining places.

Anyone interested in taking part is asked to contact Jim on 02844 617184 or 07715 292451 or send him an email at jim@mainstaydrp.org Alternatively, information on Mainstay DRP is available online at http://mainstaydrp.org/.