‘Walk with me’ raises over €31,000 for charity
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Shane McGrath, Principal of Ballinahinch NS; Breda O’Meara, Chairperson, North Tipperary Branch, Alzheimer Society of Ireland, and draw winners Rory O’Regan, Laoise Kennedy, Abby McGrath, Corina Ryan and Sean Ryan.Image 2 of 2
Sam, James, Dara and Aidan Ryan (centre, front), grandchildren of the late Josephine Ryan, with pupils at Ballinahinch National School.Support for the ‘Walk with me’ fundraiser for the Alzheimer Society of Ireland in the area over the past month has far exceeded all expectations.
Organised by Marcus Ryan and his friends from Shallee, in memory and appreciation of the support services for his late mother, Josephine, who suffered from a form of dementia known as Benson's Syndrome for a number of years before she lost her battle for life in 2019.
Centred around a sponsored climb of Keeper Hill, in which near 300 people from near and far afield participated in, the fund has benefited from the added contributions from individuals, and groups, as well as schools and colleges.
As of the weekend the fund had reached in excess of €32,500 and was still receiving additional contributions to the GoFundMe page.
Of the larger contributions received, a fundraiser bucket donations contributed €1,800, Newport College €800, Ballinahinch NS €700, Ryan's Bar, Killoscully €635, Youghalarra NS €600 and Ballinahinch Pub bucket donations €480.
Marcus Ryan explained: “Over the eight years my mum, and we as a family, were provided with supports and services from Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland that we know to be invaluable to those living with dementia.”
The aim of this walk and fundraiser was to raise funds which will go towards direct care provision (daycare, homecare, respite and information and advisory services) that the society provides to those living with dementia and their families, carers and communities.