Volunteers from Cork Samaritans will mark a special Charlie Bird Hand of Friendship Walk this weekend with a forest walk in Curraghbinny Woods.

The veteran broadcaster will lead a 5km walk through Avondale Forest Park, Co Wicklow, for Samaritans on Sunday 16th April at 11am.

At the same time, Cork Samaritans will take part in a similar event in Curraghbinny Woods, Co Cork. Members of the public are invited to join Cork volunteers and supporters on the day at 11am.

A commemorative tree marking the occasion will be planted at the start of the walk.

The Charlie Bird Hand of Friendship Walk with Samaritans is being supported by Coillte, which will open several Coillte sites across the country – including Curraghbinny Woods – for 5km and 1km trails.

For information, to register or to make donation, visit www.charlieswalkoffriendship.com

Charlie has said he is determined to continue to extend his Hand of Friendship to others over the coming months and supporting charities and organisations, including Samaritans.

Charlie Bird said:

“Samaritans is a cause close to my heart, with its volunteers across the country extend the hand of friendship to others 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That is why I am holding a Hand of Friendship Walk in support of Samaritans this April.

“I am urging everyone to come out and support Samaritans at one of the many Coillte parks being made available on the day and spread the message that one of the most powerful things we can do is extend the hand of friendship to others.”

The event will take place just over a year after Charlie’s successful Climb with Charlie to the peak of Croagh Patrick.

Samaritans vision is that fewer people die by suicide. It is the only charity in Ireland offering emotional support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to anyone who is in distress, lonely, struggling to cope or feeling suicidal, on freephone 116 123 or email us at [email protected].

Jon Spencer, Branch Director, Cork Samaritans, said:

“Charlie Bird has been an amazing supporter of Samaritans in recent months and we are thrilled that Charlie, his wife Claire and of course their dog Tiger are leading this Hand of Friendship Walk in support of Samaritans.

“These are difficult times for many people and our volunteers in branches across the country are there for people during their darkest times 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on freephone 116 123. We urge anyone in despair to reach out.

with is in Cork Samaritans.”

For updates follow Samaritans Ireland on Facebook or Twitter and Charlie Bird on Twitter, tagging #CharliesWalkofFriendship.

Coillte will have 5km walking routes mapped out at most sites, as well as shorter and flatter 1km walks which will be suitable for prams and wheelchair users.

There will also be free car parking for those taking part in a Hand of Friendship Walk with Samaritans volunteers on Sunday 16th April, 11am at:

• Avondale Forest Park, Co. Wicklow: Join volunteers from Dublin, Drogheda, East Coast (Arklow), Kilkenny, Newbridge and Waterford Samaritans.
• Currgahbinny Park Co. Cork: Join volunteers from Cork Samaritans.
• Lough Key Forest Park, Co. Roscommon: Join volunteers from Athlone and Sligo Samaritans.
• Ard na Gaoithe, Co. Galway: Join volunteers from Galway Samaritans and the new Castlebar Samaritans site.
• Supporters can also walk at one of Coillte’s 260 recreational sites nationwide.

Imelda Hurley, Chief Executive of Coillte, said: 

“Coillte is delighted to be supporting Charlie Bird and Samaritans on Sunday April 16th by welcoming them to Avondale Forest Park for The Charlie Bird Hand of Friendship Walk with Samaritans.

“We are looking forward to seeing Samaritans volunteers and members of the public at some of our forest park’s on the day to show solidarity with Charlie Bird in Avondale and support the work Samaritans do.”