Since 2016 Nikki Bray has organised an annual walking event and fundraiser with all proceeds raised for Chronic Pain Ireland’s support services. This event takes place the first weekend in September to coincide with Pain Awareness Month. With the opening of the Youghal Eco-Boardwalk, not only is it is a terrific day but it is a disability and access friendly space, with fantastic views and resting points so please do come along and take part. Families, furry friends, locals, visitors (no matter what you’re capabilities) all are welcome. Meeting at 12:00 noon in the carpark and you can decide on a gentle stroll, walk or for those who want to jog or run – there’s plenty of room for all.
Youghal Eco-Boardwalk is a 1.9kilometre hardwood panelled beach walk-way, stretching from Claycastle Beach out to Redbarn Beach, both of which hold Blue Flag Status for 2021. It is totally disability-access friendly with interspersed seating along the route, facilitating easy access for the elderly, people with limited mobility, wheelchair and pushchair users. Making this a perfect opportunity for those living with chronic pain, to set your own pace, rest where needed and choose your own start and finish points.
Nikki writes: “In 2014 I was diagnosed with a congenial spinal defect, in 2015 I organized a walk on the beach in Youghal (walking on sand can be good for the spine) with family and friends, mainly to thank them for their support and celebrate how far I’d come in one year! Of course we had tea and cake afterwards! It was mentioned that year that I should of fundraised at the walk, so in 2016 I decided to do it again and fundraise for Chronic Pain Ireland. That year I did it in October on spine awareness day (the first year Annie our mascot joined us, I figured skeletons and spine go together).
. 
From 2017 onwards I held the event in September for Pain Awareness Month; I still organize a table in a nearby restaurant for anyone that wants to join us afterwards for a chat. The event is bigger every year and is gathering more interest and attendees, which is amazing and helps raise awareness for spinal health and Chronic Pain Ireland.
This year I will be walking in Youghal on 3rd September at 12pm anyone that wants to join me is very welcome or you can walk in your local area and share your pictures with Chronic Pain Ireland.
If you would like to support me and help me to raise much needed funds that help Chronic Pain Ireland continue to deliver their support services, please visit my iDonate page” https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/Raisingawarenessforspinalhealth
Nikki’s sister who lives in Tenerife joins her every year virtually and in 2023, she is raising awareness of hidden disabilities. #PainAwarenessMonth #HiddenDisabilities #chronicpain
Listen here to recent radio interview with CRY104FM as Nikki outlines this years Pain Awareness Campaign, living with chronic pain and supporting her fundraiser.
