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Dublin Live
Dublin Live
National
Emma Nevin

Dublin Sister Sheds gather in their dozens to walk in solidarity with Charlie Bird

The Dublin Sister Sheds gathered in their dozens today to walk in solidarity with Charlie Bird.

The former RTE journalist is battling motor neurone disease and climbed to the top of Croagh Patrick today for his Climb with Charlie fundraiser.

People all over the country showed their support by organising their own walks this morning.

Read more: WATCH: Charlie Bird 'truly humbled' as he triumphantly reaches summit of Croagh Patrick as thousands take part in fundraiser

Climb with Charlie raised funds for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta House and Dublin's Sister Sheds have been raising money for it over the past couple of months.

This morning, around 50 women from the Sister Sheds completed the Howth Cliff Walk together to show their support for Charlie Bird.

The group was founded just six months ago and 14 Sheds have been set up around Dublin.

Founders Shereen and Rachel Hughes started the Sister Sheds because they wanted to "bring local women in the community back together again" and provide a place for women to build a support network.

Their weekly sessions offer a safe space for women to have an open dialogue and bond with one another.

Read more: Charlie Bird's fundraiser climbs to over €1 million as people around country join in

Read more: Dublin Sister Sheds on forming friendships, learning new skills and expanding outside the capital

They also have the opportunity learn new skills such as and self defence taught by the Shurikendo Association of Ireland and CPR.

Today's walk was the first event where women from different Sheds came together, and Rachel and Shereen described it as a "humbling experience".

Rachel said: "There's women there that have never met each other because they're in different groups.

"Something I always say is that life is a journey and it's the people you meet along the way that make it special.

"So a couple of the women got chatting for the first time today and hit it off, so that's really special. It's very humbling."

When the women reached the summit they formed a circle and sang 'You'll Never Walk Alone' which Shereen described as "really emotional".

"I felt that the circle really represents the Sister Sheds," she said.

"When I was listening to the words of it, I felt it really represented us because everyone supports each other. So I think that's the Sister Sheds' anthem now."

Shereen said she "had the best day" and "loved seeing the support all the women had for each other".

"What I love about Sister Sheds and the reason why it works differently to other groups is that everyone is so likeminded," she said.

"Everyone wants to be here for connection, friendship, comradery and to have a laugh.

"They support each other so much. Even the support going up on the walk, women that didn't even know each other were helping and looking out for one another."

Rachel and Shereen want to thank the other women in the Sister Sheds who fundraised and supported the walk but weren't able to make it to Howth this morning.

They also want to say a big thank you to Niall Noone who catered a lunch for the ladies after they finished their walk.

The women intend to do more events like this in future for charity.

They are currently planning an Annual Sister Sheds walk that will help mothers across Ireland.

The Sister Sheds have also also have planned a fundraiser in Westside Boxing Club on April 30th.

Tickets are €15 and there will be some boxing and an auction.

The women said it will be "great craic" and everyone is welcome.

If you would like to find out more information about the Sister Sheds or get in touch with Rachel and Shereen, you can find do so here.

Read more: Charlie Bird's fundraiser climbs to over €1 million as people around country join in

Read more: RTE Late Late Show viewers 'bawling' and in awe of 'inspirational' Charlie Bird

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