Camino for Cliona’s 2025 call for support from Transition Year students and teachers

Students arrive into Santiago led by their teachers and leaders. Camino for Cliona’s 2025 call for support from Transition Year students and teachers

Cliona’s Foundation calls for Transition Year students and teachers all over Ireland to join them on Camino for Cliona’s 2025

Cliona’s Foundation are calling on all incoming Transition Year students and teachers all over Ireland to join them on Camino for Cliona’s 2025 after students from 20 secondary schools around Ireland walk an incredible 114kms along the Camino De Santiago during an extraordinary week in Northern Spain.

Incredible Irish Transition Year Students encourage others to find Their WAY along the Camino after two spectacular trip trips this Summer, raising €124,000 and walking in solidarity with families all over Ireland who are caring for a seriously sick child.    

The second annual Camino for Cliona’s trips took place this Summer when 101 students, teachers and group leaders flew to Santiago in Northern Spain to undertake a huge personal challenge – the 114kms Sarria to Santiago leg of the Camino. These special trips took place after the group collectively raised over €124,000 for families caring for seriously sick children in Ireland. They then walked along the infamous Camino in solidarity with these families over 5 days. Along the way each member of the group carried the families in their hearts as well as their loved ones at home. The effect on each participant was profound.    

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Cliona’s Foundation provide financial assistance to families caring for a seriously sick child all over Ireland to help specifically with the non- medical costs associated with the diagnosis. The foundation was set up by Brendan and Terry Ring following the death of their daughter Cliona from an inoperable brain tumour in 2006. Cliona’s have supported over 1400 families and in 2023 distributed their largest amount ever to families in need €502,000 across 27 counties. Many parents must give up their jobs to care for their sick child leaving them struggling to cope. Studies have highlighted that a family will need between €10,000 and €15,000 a year to cover various bills while their child is ill.  

The Camino De Santiago is a pilgrimage rooted in medieval origins, also known as The Way of Saint James, and has grown in popularity in Ireland and internationally. It leads to the tomb believed to be that of the Apostle Saint James the Greater, in the crypt of Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. The team at Cliona’s Foundation knew that a great strength comes with an achievement like doing this walk and that strength is unshakable, building resilience and realisation in all who take part. These are skills and friendships that are important to encourage in our remarkable young people. While fundraising for families the students are then rewarded with a remarkable opportunity to journey to Spain.

The experience grew so much from 36 students in 2023 to a massive 101 students in 2024, team Camino for Clionas are calling on schools all over Ireland to join this special journey.

Transition Year students took part this year from 21 schools in Munster and Leinster including Mungret Community College, Gaelcholaiste Luimnigh, Laurel Hill, Laurel Hill Colaiste, John The Baptist Hospital, Colaiste Iosaef Kilmallock, Scoil Pol Kilfinane, and from Cork, Colaiste Mhuire Buttevant, Scoil Mhuire Kanturk, and Colaiste Mhuire Crosshaven from Dublin Malahide Community College and Coláiste Pobail Fóla in Saggart. The trip was so rewarding and special that Cliona’s Foundation are calling on schools all over Ireland to join them on the journey in 2025.

Joining the group from John Keyes St Munchins in Limerick “I had a great experience on The Camino walk in May of this year. It was an experience of a lifetime and I made new friends along the way with whom I’m still in contact. It gave me time to think and enjoy the company of people and new places”

Also joining the group was transition year student Sinead Murphy from Hazelwood College in Dromcollogher, “My 2024 Camino journey was one I will never forget. This was such an amazing opportunity as I made so many new wonderful friends from several counties in Ireland and made lifelong memories like trying Galician food along with the camaraderie and fun in the hostels at night, while raising money for a wonderful cause helping families of children who are ill.

“Over an amazing 5 days we walked 120km, uphill, downhill, over rivers and through quaint villages, our terrain varied as we walked in warm high 20 degree heat. Along our route we encountered many historical sites, local musicians and craftspeople.It was an unforgettable cultural experience. During the week we met people from various nations who, like us, were undertaking the Camino. On completing the Camino there was a great sense of personal achievement and a great sense of fulfilment that we were all able to assist Cliona’s Foundation”

The students from the various schools had not met each other in person until they travelled to the airport on the morning of the flight, having only met through Zoom throughout the year. However, friendships were formed at lightning speed as their collective adventure began. They carried stones in memory of Cliona Ring and all the children who have succumbed to illness, and for their own loved ones at home. When they arrived in Santiago De Compostela the group walked together to the Cathedral and threw their stones into the famous fountain. The sense of purpose and accomplishment between the group made for emotional scenes in the square!  

Rebecca Nune, a student from St Augustines in Dungarvan says the trip was unforgettable.

Sbhe said, “I had an experience of a lifetime on the camino, I made so many new friends from all over Ireland and got to know people from my school better. It also gave me good perspective on things. Everyone is so lovely on it and you end up talking and walking with people all over the world. I think everyone should walk some part of the camino in their lifetime, it’s something you’ll never forget”

Head of Communications and Fundraising where the idea for Camino for Cliona’s originated    spoke of the emotional journey and of her own personal gratitude, saying, “It was a privilege to accompany this remarkable group of young people, leaders and teachers on our second and third Camino for Cliona’s. We are so grateful to the schools, parents and communities who supported the student’s fundraising efforts. The journey itself was truly inspirational and lifechanging.  For me personally the trip was very special. I am so looking forward to 2025 and encourage any school to get in touch for us to come and do a school visit to learn more about joining us next year”.    

Having witnessed the benefits to both the families Cliona’s support and to the students who take part, Cliona’s are aiming to grow this annual event nationally and are calling on all schools to get in touch to learn more.  

Cliona’s Foundation expects up to 200 families will apply for financial assistance this year and will need to raise a minimum of €500,000 to meet these applications. To learn more and to help please visit clionas.ie or tune in to the two-part documentary “Ireland’s Forgotten Families” which is available on clionas.ie