Newbridge Couple Goes the Extra Mile: Eamon and Rosie Donnelly Raise Over £60k for ALPS

A Journey of Compassion: From Newbridge to the Portuguese Way

There are moments in the life of a charity that leave us truly humbled, and today is one of those days. We find ourselves struggling to find words that carry enough weight to express our profound gratitude to two incredible individuals from Newbridge, County Derry: Eamon and Rosie Donnelly.

In July 2025, Eamon and Rosie joined a dedicated team of over 25 people to take on the ALPS Camino Challenge. This grueling but soul-stirring trek saw the group navigate the Portuguese Way, trekking the first 120 kilometres from the historic streets of Porto across the border to Tui.

While the physical challenge of those 120 kilometres was significant, it was the impact of their efforts back home that truly stunned us. Through their tireless advocacy and the overwhelming generosity of their community, Eamon and Rosie raised a staggering £32,610 for ALPS in this single campaign.

This latest feat is not a standalone act of kindness. It follows an incredible 2023 fundraiser where the pair raised £27,969, bringing their total contribution to our work to over £60,000 in just two years.

To put that into perspective, these funds are more than just numbers on a balance sheet. They represent hundreds of hours of support, life-saving interventions, and the continued operation of services that provide a lifeline to the most vulnerable in our society. Because of Eamon and Rosie, people who felt they had nowhere to turn now have a path forward.

At ALPS, we often talk about community, but Eamon and Rosie embody the very spirit of it. Their selflessness, their energy, and their unwavering belief in our mission have made them much more than donors—they have become a vital part of the ALPS family.

Speaking on their contribution, the team at ALPS noted:

"Words will never be enough to thank these two for all they have done. To see them walk those 120 kilometres from Porto to Tui with such heart was inspiring, but to see the way they champion our cause every day is what truly moves us. We are truly indebted to them; they are, quite simply, friends for life."

From everyone at ALPS and the many individuals who benefit from our work, we send our deepest and most sincere thanks to Eamon and Rosie.

While most would be hanging up their walking boots after such a monumental effort, the word around Newbridge is that Eamon and Rosie aren't quite finished yet. Rumour has it they may be getting their boots out again this summer.

Whispers suggest they are eyeing up the final stage of the journey—joining the ALPS team once more to walk from Tui all the way to the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.