Fitness Coach Denise Murphy Invites Ireland To Take Part in The Alzheimer Society of Ireland Greenway Challenge, in Memory of Her Dad
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Register to take part in Alzheimer’s Greenway Challenge at https://alzheimer.ie/get-
involved/fundraising-events/ greenway-challenge/
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is pleased to announce Online Fitness and Nutrition Coach Denise Murphy as their latest ambassador. Murphy is calling on people to support The Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s (The ASI) Alzheimer’s Greenway Chal
Denise Murphy’s father, Michael Shanahan, passed away in February after living with Young-Onset Dementia (YOD). Michael was diagnosed with the condition in 2013. Kilkenny Native Murphy, has teamed up with The ASI to help other families in Ireland impacted by the condition.
The ASI welcomes Payzone, the trusted Irish payments company, as sponsor of the Waterford Greenway Challenge.
Ambassador Denise Murphy said: “I’m honoured to team up with The Alzheimer Society of Ireland and support their Alzheimer’s Greenway Challenge. I know first-hand how vital The ASI’s services are; their support is a lifeline for families living with dementia.
‘Dad received the most amazing care from staff at The ASI’s Kilkenny Day Care; he absolutely loved going there. They offered so many activities; his favourite was the music sessions. Dad always loved singing and dancing; it really helped to retain his identity.
‘Supporting The Alzheimer’s Greenway Challenge feels like I can give something back in a way. We hope this challenge will raise important funds for The ASI, and also encourage people to get active!”
One in ten people diagnosed with dementia in Ireland is under 65. Murphy believes there is an ‘assumption’ that dementia is a condition that only affects older people. “I think in the last few years there has been an increased awareness and understanding of young-onset dementia but more awareness needs to be made.”
Funds raised through Alzheimer’s Greenway Challenge will go towards The ASI’s supports and services to people with dementia and their carers across Ireland, including Day Care, Day Care at Home, Home Care, Family Carer Training, Dementia Advisers, Alzheimer Cafes and Social Clubs.
The Challenge:
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Features an option for everyone from walkers to experienced cyclists.
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Takes place along the picturesque Waterford Greenway in the Sunny South East.
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The Waterford Greenway Challenge kicks off at Dungarvan, through the foothills of the Comeragh mountains and along the River Suir to finish in Waterford city.
Three different route options are available on this challenge to suit everyone:
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Walk the Greenway over two days – June 30th and July 1st
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Cycle from Dungarvan to Waterford in one day on July 1st (46km)
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Cycle from Waterford to Dungarvan and back to Waterford in one day on July 1st (92km)
The ASI Head of Fundraising, Mairéad Dillon said: “We’re so grateful to Denise Murphy, who is supporting our Greenway Challenge in memory of her father Michael. Though dementia mostly affects older adults, it is not a natural part of ageing. It can affect people in their 40s and 50s, and more rarely in their 30s.
‘Alzheimer’s Greenway Challenge is a fun fitness campaign to get involved in; by taking part, you will be helping people living with dementia in Ireland and their carers. We’re so pleased that Payzone has come on board as the campaign’s sponsors; their support will go a long way towards helping us make the Greenway Challenge a success. We look forward to getting out on The Waterford Greenway for what is sure to be a great two days.”
Payzone Head of Core Business, Barry Keegan said: “Payzone is proud to sponsor The Alzheimer Society of Ireland with their Waterford Greenway Challenge. Getting involved in this campaign is important to us, as it is to many across the country. Every day in Ireland, 30 people develop dementia, while there are over 64,000 people currently living with dementia.
‘We aim to support The ASI as they continue to provide vital dementia-specific services and support while advocating for the rights and needs of all people living with dementia. We’re really looking forward to supporting The ASI across the two days in Waterford; the atmosphere will be great.
‘Some of the Payzone team will be putting their fitness to the test, which will be a sight!
We encourage everyone in Ireland to join in for this great cause.”
For full details on this challenge, visit alzheimer.ie
