Scottish boy presents large sum to Alzheimer Centre in Offaly
A YOUNG BOY living in Scotland, who has a strong connection with Birr, presented a cheque for €10,000 to the Birr Day Care Centre of the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland on Monday morning.
Accompanied by his proud parents and grandmother, Michael Doran handed over the cheque to Claire Dolan, Day Care Manager of the Centre.
Claire warmly thanked Michael and said donations like this are hugely important for the Centre. She pointed out that unfortunately there is still a bit of a stigma in Ireland concerning mental health issues and she's looking forward to a possible time in our society when many of us feel less uncomfortable with conditions such as Alzheimer's.
The manager added that the Day Care Centre provides an invaluable service and is busy. However, more Carers and Volunteers are needed. (If anyone wishes to be a Carer or Volunteer in the Centre they can contact Claire at 087 7151323.) She added that Courses in Caring are taught in the Centre; and the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland is a charity.
Michael's father, also called Michael, said his son has a fascination for astronomy and channelled that interest into a book about outer space, called “More things I taught my parents about Space”, the proceeds of which constituted the €10,000 cheque.
Michael Jnr is 9 years of age and lives in Edinburgh. He has sold hundreds of copies of his book, a book which is packed full of fascinating facts about space and great images.
Michael Jnr's grandad, also called Michael Doran, lives in Birr. Michael Senior suffers from Alzheimer’s Disease and avails of the ASI Day Care Centre.
Michael Jnr’s book includes facts about our solar system, black holes, the Artemis Mission, The James Webb Space Telescope, The International Space Station, & much more making it a must read for any space enthusiast or anyone who’s curious about what’s going on above their heads!
Michael Jnr's Dad grew up in Clonoghill Upper in Birr. On Monday morning Michael Jnr's Dad fondly reminisced about playing rugby for Birr Rugby Football Club many years ago. “We have raised the money,” said the proud father, “through a mixture of book sales and sponsorship. We see it as an expression of love for Michael Snr and for the vital work which the ASI does.”
The ASI centre is a fantastic service in Birr. According to the Alzheimer’s Society there are approximately 65,000 people with dementia in Ireland and this number is expected to double in the next 25 years. Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of conditions which cause changes and damage to the brain. There is currently no cure for dementia & over 60% suffering from it live at home or in the community. There are over 180,000 people that are currently or have been carers for a family member or partner with dementia. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland works across the country in the heart of local communities providing dementia specific services and supports, and advocating for the rights and needs of all people living with dementia and their carers.
Donations for Michael Jnr's ASI cause are still being accepted. You can make a donation and get your copy of the book by visiting Michael’s website: