Hugh's journey to Northern Ireland

From March 2 to May 20, Misericordia Place residents are walking, pedalling and wheeling their way to dream destinations around the globe, in support of MHC. Throughout the Around the World in 80 Days campaign, we'll be sharing participants' stories. 

Hugh McMeel speaks with an unmistakable Irish lilt, so it only makes sense his virtual dream destination would be to return to Ireland. 
Hugh grew up in Augher, Northern Ireland, but has cycled all over Ireland – both Northern and Southern – and has particularly fond memories of cycling to Dublin to watch football games (that’s soccer in Canadian-speak).  

“I worked in Belfast for a time,” shares Hugh, “It was 20 miles from Augher. I cycled there every week and came home on weekends.  

“One weekend a friend bet me I couldn’t cycle to Belfast and back in the same day. Of course I did!” 

No doubt recreation facilitator Rael will put Hugh through his paces on therapy bikes now that she knows he enjoys cycling.  

Hugh has only been at Misericordia Place a few weeks, but it already feels like home.  
“I’ve done a lot of travelling in my life,” he says. “I could just stay here with you kind people and not travel any more.” 

Hugh actually volunteered at Misericordia Health Centre for many years, companioning residents to Mass! 

Fortunately, Hugh moved in in time to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Of course there was a party replete with shamrocks and leprechauns!  

And staff even arranged for Hugh to virtually chat to a family of Dubliners by the Irish sea.   

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