Memory Café, Boyle, part of the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland, were delighted recently to receive a cheque for €2,225 from Bernadette Drury, following her brilliant achievement in completing the Dublin Marathon.
Bernadette completed the marathon in memory of her uncle Seamus, a cause that is personal and very close to her heart.
Bernadette brings lived experience of Alzheimer’s and dementia, shaped by her family’s journey — through her granny, who was cared for at home by her family for seven years, and more recently through her uncle.
Bernadette spoke movingly about how much her family would have loved to have had a service like the Memory Café during her granny’s time, and again more recently during her uncle’s journey. She reflected on the comfort, understanding and connection that services like this provide to people living with dementia and to those who care for them.
The stigma and barriers surrounding Alzheimer’s and dementia are very real, and services like the Memory Café play a vital role in ensuring people and carers feel supported, understood & and not alone.
We extend our sincere thanks to Bernadette for her generosity, compassion and for turning a deeply personal experience into meaningful support for others.
Photograph shows L- R front row: Denise O’Dowd, Bernadette Drury fundraiser, Pauline Symth, Monica Gaffney, Teresa Keegan and Marie Reynolds. Missing from photograph Margaret Mulligan, Roscommon OPC., Richard Regan, CIC, Teresa O’Brien SICAP.
