A SOCIAL justice activist who rose to fame for his tenacious campaign to raise awareness of motor neuron disease (MND) has passed away.
Fr Tony Coote was diagnosed with the life-limiting disease in March of 2018 and since then had dedicated his life to raising awareness of motor neuron disease, as well as raising funds to research it.
In July of 2018, Fr Coote undertook his ‘Walk While You Can’ campaign, where he walked 550km from Donegal to Cork and raised €600,000.
He also wrote a book about his experience, entitled 'Live While You Can'.
He dedicated the book to everyone living with the disease, saying "One day there will be a cure."
Fr Tony Coote raised €600,000 to fund research on the disease. (Facebook/ Walk While You Can)The much-loved priest, whose parish was in Kilmacud in Dublin, is mourned by his friends, family and colleagues.
The Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Diarmuid Martin, told of his sadness upon hearing of Fr Coote’s passing.
“Tony showed all of us how strength can be witnessed even in the face of human weakness.
His courage leaves all of us more humble.
May the Lord welcome and give him the deep peace to which he witnessed in his suffering.”
His brother Patrick announced the news on Twitter, saying:
“Tony passed away yesterday surrounded by family & friends, in his own house. Those were his wishes. It was a nice end for him.
He brought us all on the journey with him.
What a year we have had and Tony packed a lot in.
He is with Alan, Gerry, Pauline and the rest now.”
Tony passed away yesterday surrounded by family & friends, in his own house. Those were his wishes. It was a nice end for him. He brought us all on the journey with him. What a year we have had and Tony packed a lot in. He is with Alan, Gerry, Pauline and the rest now.
— Patrick Coote (@2010Coote) August 29, 2019
Fr Coote made a difference in the lives of thousands who live with the fatal disease.
His legacy, the ‘Walk While You Can’ campaign continues on. If you would like to learn more, volunteer or donate, you can visit their website here or their Facebook page here.
