Dad walked to Dingle in late daughter’s name
A Cork father whose daughter died at birth has completed a gruelling trek from his home in Cork city to Dingle, county Kerry, to raise funds for two charities supporting bereaved parents.
Finbarr Buttimer’s daughter Nóra sadly passed away due to complications at birth in December 2024.
In taking on the 187 kilometre journey filled with personal meaning and deep purpose, Finbarr aims to raise funds for bereavement charities Féileacáin and FirstLight.
What began as a modest goal of €2,000 has now grown into a remarkable show of solidarity and generosity. To date, more than €17,000 has been raised, with support coming from across Ireland and beyond.
“The fundraiser is going up and up, just surpassing €17,000. Absolutely fantastic stuff!” said Finbarr.
“Each and every donation is a statement of support for bereaved parents and a message to Nóra to say, ‘I’m thinking of you’. My deepest thanks to everyone who has supported us so far,” he added.
As he progressed along the route, Finbarr documented his experience with daily updates on Instagram (@finbarrformerlybaz), sharing candid reflections and scenes from the towns, trails, and people he met along the way.
Finbarr continued: “By donating, you are supporting two incredible causes. FirstLight were there for us during the darkest time of our lives. They offered us essential counselling support at no cost, helping to process the trauma and grief over what happened to Nóra.
“They were, and still are, a lifeline for parents like us, and it’s not an exaggeration to say that without them we wouldn’t be anywhere near being able to rebuild our lives. Your support ensures they can continue delivering these vital services for others,” he said.
Féileacáin is a charity made up of people who all share the experience of losing a child. On a dark evening in February, Finbarr started playing 5-a-side with the Féileacáin Fathers Cork team and said he hasn’t looked back since.
“It’s a space where I can feel less different, less alone, and let it all out on the pitch,” he shared.
“In August, I hope to have the honour of playing with Nóra’s name on my jersey and fellow dads by my side. It’s also thanks to Féileacáin that we have mementoes of Nóra, like a lock of her hair and prints of her hands and feet. These are beyond treasured,” said Finbarr.
Féileacáin provides other supports to bereaved parents like group therapy, pregnancy after loss support, and support for other children in families who have suffered a loss.
All funds raised during Finbarr’s walk to Dingle will go directly to Irish charities Féileacáin and FirstLight. Finbarr invites the public to support the cause by donating via his official fundraising page: idonate.ie/fundraiser/WalkToDingleForNora.