Kilkenny people urged to take part in The Alzheimer Society Greenway Challenge

Online Fitness and Nutrition Coach and Kilkenny Native Denise Murphy is calling on people to support The Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s (The ASI) Alzheimer’s Greenway Challenge fundraising campaign, kindly sponsored by Payzone, on June 30th and July 1st (Friday and Saturday) to raise funds for vital dementia supports and services. The challenge is also a good reason to get active this summer!

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. Murphy has teamed up with The ASI to help other families in Ireland impacted by the condition. 

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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. 

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 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.”

For full details on this challenge and to take part, visit alzheimer.ie