Derry hotelier praised for Alzheimer’s fundraising efforts

A Derry hotelier who has personal experience of helping a family member coping with Alzheimer’s has been praised for his efforts in raising funds for a charity which aids those with the condition.

A total of £2,868.85 was raised by the NI Hotels Federation for the Alzheimer’s Society during a fundraising event held during the Federation’s two day Hospitality Exchange conference in Belfast recently.

The monies were handed over to representatives from the charity in Derry by Ciaran O’Neill, President of Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF) and operator of Bishop’s Gate Hotel in Bishop Street.

Speaking at the presentation, Mr O’Neill encouraged people seeking to help those with dementia to get in touch with the Alzheimer’s Society.

“My wife’s father has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and we are delighted to support the charity in its fundraising efforts,” he said.

“I meet many people asking if there is anything I can to do to help, especially people who are affected personally by dementia.

“I would ask all of those who have expressed the desire to act and make a difference to those affected by dementia to get in touch with Alzheimer’s Society today.”

Meanwhile, Maeveen Brown from the Alzheimer’s Society said that events such as the fundraising event also helped promote ‘greater understanding and a greater level of awareness’ of dementia.

“I wish to sincerely thank Ciaran O’Neill in his role as President of the NI Hotels Federation for choosing Alzheimer’s Society as this year’s charity,” she said.

“All of this work has led to a greater understanding and a greater level of awareness regarding dementia. The public now realise that this is not just a natural part of aging.

“It’s a physical disease much like cancer and they are motivated to help us in the fight against it.”

 She added: “If you would like to get involved then please do get in touch. Let us know why Alzheimer’s Society is close to your heart and how you would like to raise some funds, whether its £1 or £1000, every little bit makes a very big difference. Visit our website www.alzheimers.org.uk.”