Special walk recalling life of Derry woman raises over £4,500
A family who took a very special walk down memory lane have raised more than £4,500 for Alzheimer's research.
Rachel Coyle and her brother Robert Tinney organised a 20-mile walk around Derry in honour of their beloved mum, Anne.
Anne was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s 14 years ago, aged just 56.
Dozens of walkers, including Anne’s husband Jack as well as other family members, friends and work colleagues, visited important places in Anne’s life to raise money for the UK’s leading dementia charity.
They visited her former school, her childhood home and her former place of employment amongst other landmarks from her life.
She said that she had been thinking about a fundraising event for some time and had been inspired to try and help find a cure.
“We picked a route that holds very special memories for our mum. Unfortunately, she cannot remember these for herself, so we remembered them for her," she said.
“I decided on the 20-mile walk because I am 36 years old and my mum was 56 when she was diagnosed. That is 20 years...20 years to find a cure for this horrendous illness.
“I can’t bear the thought of getting it. I can't begin to imagine not knowing my children. Just like I'm sure mum could never have imagined it as well.”
The walk has raised more than £4,500 for Alzheimer’s Research UK, which will help fund life-changing research aiming to create a world free from the fear, harm and heartbreak of dementia.
Rachel, an occupational therapist, said she felt dementia research needed greater attention.
“Research really is where I want the money to go as a cure is what I want. Research into dementia has also been so underfunded compared to other illnesses," she said.
Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of early-onset dementia. Around four percent of people with Alzheimer’s are under 65. Symptoms can include memory problems, confusion, changes in personality and behaviour, language difficulties and visual problems.
Matt Clarke, Regional Fundraising Officer at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said the walk would help further dementia research.
“This walk has raised vital funds for dementia research. It’s such a touching idea to bring together the community in Derry and remember all of the important places and times in Anne’s life. We can’t thank all of the walkers enough for taking part and for supporting the work Alzheimer’s Research UK does to bring about the first life-changing dementia treatment by 2025,” he said.
Matt would like to hear from anyone in Northern Ireland who would be interested in joining an Alzheimer’s Research UK Fundraising Group. For more information contact Matt on 07584 657587 or email [email protected]