Luke and dog Maya step it out for Family Carers Ireland

A big congratulations to Luke Lynam and his dog Miss Maya who raised €1,420 for Family Carers Ireland with his 500,000 steps challenge.

Luke is a big supporter of the Tullamore branch of Family Carers Ireland.

Family Carers Ireland say they want carers to know they have the support they need to care safely, to make it less of a battle and to know they are not alone.

''We are the national charity supporting the 500,000+ family and young carers across the country who care for loved ones such as children or adults with additional needs, physical or intellectual disabilities, frail older people, those with palliative care needs or those living with chronic illnesses, mental health challenges or addiction.''

Its mission is ''to highlight the contribution of family carers to Irish society and to improve the lives of family carers throughout the country. We believe that no one should have to care alone.''

The organisation supports family carers and young carers through the provision of free emergency care planning, counselling, specialised training and education programmes, wellbeing support, crisis management, emergency respite/respite provision, advocacy, peer support groups, information on rights and entitlements and many other worthwhile initiatives.