June steps out on final fundraiser in Connor

Thursday October 14th 2021

June Butler, centre with her fellow walkers before leaving St Jude’s, Muckamore, to walk to All Saints’, Antrim.

June Butler, All Ireland President of Mothers’ Union (MU), has completed all three of her fundraising challenges in Connor Diocese, walking from St Jude’s, Muckamore, to All Saints’, Antrim, on October 13.

She was accompanied on the scenic 7km walk by the Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev George Davison, the Archdeacon of Connor, the Ven Dr Stephen McBride, and members of local MU branches. (Photo gallery below).

Other members, including former All-Ireland President Paddy Wallace, who is a parishioner of All Saints’, Antrim, and Connor Diocesan President Sally Cotter, were at St Jude’s to send the walkers on their way.

Because MU fundraising at branch level was suspended due to the pandemic, June set herself the challenge to walk 21 kilometres, made up of three legs of 7km, in each of the 12 Church of Ireland dioceses in Ireland, and sought sponsorship from MU members and members of the public.

Before setting out, June explained that after this Connor walk she would have only three walks remaining.

“I have enjoyed every moment except when I was soaked to the skin in Phoenix Park, Dublin, and one of the walks in the Diocese of Tuam, when I ended up on a slurry path,” June said.

“It has been a joy and delight to have met with members before each walk, and to have people walking with me.”

June’s first walk in Connor was in Belfast on April 13, when she walked from Stranmillis to St Anne’s Cathedral, and her second walk, from Holy Trinity Parish Church, Portrush, to Agherton Parish Church, Portstewart, took place on April 26.

Before the walkers set off, Diocesan President Sally shared a brief reflection and prayers before the hikers headed out from St Jude’s towards Six Mile Water Trail.

All monies raised by ’21 in 21’ walks will go to the ‘Mums in May’ fund to provide support for MU projects in Ireland and overseas. Donations can be made on this LINK.