Anam Cara regional meeting next week

Anam Cara, a national organisation supporting bereaved parents, hold their regular midlands meeting in The Mullingar Park Hotel on Wednesday March 8 (7.15pm).

It is one of 14 face to face meetings across the country held each month. All bereaved parents are welcome, regardless of the age of the child or circumstances of death.

Among their other activities, supporters of Anam Cara are taking on a section of the Camino de Santiago.

The group depart Dublin on May 21, and will walk the Sarria to Santiago leg of the world famous route.

The grants and fundraising Manager of Anam Cara, Jamie Conway, said he is looking forward to travelling with the group to take part in hike.

“The journey will take us across woodlands, farmlands and rustic hamlets, following tracks and paths lined by granite stones walls,” he said.

He said that there are still places left for the seven-day trip, so if you are interested on raising funds and joining the group, contact Jamie on 01 4045378.

Returning to their regular meetings, Anam Cara say all parents present at them have many things in common – and the most significant is the loss of a child.

Taking a first step to attend a meeting, in many cases, can be the toughest, they say, but every bereaved parent who attends has made that first step.

“There is no time limit on how long a bereaved parent can attend – their child may have died a month ago, a year ago or several years ago, all are welcome,” said a spokesperson for Anam Cara.