Mum of tragic Toni Marie tells of 'life-changing' pilgrimage

A MOTHER who lost her teenage daughter to suicide has told how a Camino walk with other bereaved parents had a life-changing impact on her.

- BY GRAINNE NI AODHA

Tracey Monaghan, whose daughter Toni Marie Kenny, 17, died two years ago next month, said the week-long pilgrimage in Spain gave her the chance to talk about her daughter and remember her openly.

Organised by all-island bereavement support group Anam Cara, she was among a group which took on the Camino de Santiago challenge last month.

"People will often run a mile from your grief. You are very much alone and people will avoid conversations at all costs," said Ms Monaghan, who is from Mullingar in Co Westmeath.

"This was the first time for me to go somewhere by myself. I met complete strangers and felt like my spirit was lifted.

"You could tell your story and you listened to other stories.