Batman from Laois to walk 53km for charity
Patrick Kelly dressed as Farmer Batman with some of his support crew, Toney Ryan, Eric Condell, Eamonn Kavanagh and Paul Dunne. Photo: Alf Harvey
A FARMER who has raised €30,000 for a range of worthy causes is about to set off on his last expedition, in aid of a children’s charity.
Patrick Kelly from Castletown, who has become famous as Farmer Batman, will walk 53km from Obama Plaza in Moneygall to Portlaoise Plaza on Sunday 21 September, while pulling a garden cart containing his teddy bear sidekick Robin.
Dressed in his trusty Batman costume, which has taken him on countless charitable campaigns over the years, Patrick has a fundraising target of €5,000 for Childhood Cancer Ireland and has already collected almost €3,000.
Also a holistic massage therapist, Patrick has run an annual Farmer Batman fundraiser for the past nine years and hopes that his last will be the best of all. The Plaza to Plaza walk will take an estimated 12 to 14 hours, with four planned recovery stops along the route and a hardy team of supporters to help him along.
Castletown Vintage Club members are also involved and have organised a run on the same day.
Patrick explained on his fundraising page: ‘September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and every step of this journey is dedicated to raising awareness and vital funds for children and families affected by cancer across Ireland. Every donation helps light the way for families facing childhood cancer.’
Donations can be made on the online idonate page titled ‘Farmer Batman & Teddy Bear Robin’s 53km Challenge’.
The generous farmer is delighted to have raised €2,935 before he even sets off and donations can be made until 5 October.
