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Eleanor Siochrú raised over €3000, climbing Kilimanjaro for The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (The ASI). Ms Siochrú – originally from Ballydaly (Outside Milstreet) Cork but now living in Kerry – climbed Africa’s highest mountain as part of a climbing group in memory of her husband’s Grandmother, Gretta.

Eleanor Siochrú said: 

“It was an honour to take on the challenge in memory of someone who made such an impact on our family. I want to thank everyone who donated to me, in support of The Alzheimer Society of Ireland. It brings me great joy to raise funds for people living with dementia in Kerry”.

Kathleen Herlihy, Home Care Co-ordinator, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, North Kerry, said: 

“We’re so grateful to Eleanor for choosing to raise money for The Alzheimer Society of Ireland. The work of selfless community fundraisers makes a huge difference to us and provides us with a vital injection of funds.” 

The ASI will honour Ms Siochrú with a cheque presentation at The Rosemary Day Care Centre, Balloonagh, Tralee, on July 13th, at 4.30 pm.

An estimated 7,509 people live with dementia in Cork, and 64,000 people live with Dementia in Ireland which will more than double in the next 25 years to over 150,000 by 2045.

The ASI also hosts its Annual Alzheimer’s Memory Walk on Sunday, September 24th, nationwide, including locations in Cork and Kerry. Please see memorywalk.ie for more information.

Notes:

About The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (The ASI):

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is Ireland’s leading dementia-specific service provider. 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. Our vision is an Ireland where people on the journey of dementia are valued and supported. A national non-profit organisation, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland advocates, empowers and champions the rights of people living with dementia and their communities to quality support and services. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland also operates the Alzheimer National Helpline offering information and support to anyone affected by dementia on 1800 341 341.

Alzheimer National Helpline:

For more information on our support and services please contact The Alzheimer Society of Ireland National Helpline. The Helpline is open six days a week, Monday to Friday, 10 am – 5 pm and Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm, on 1800 341 341. Email at [email protected] or via Live Chat at www.alzheimer.ie

ABOUT DEMENTIA

●      There are 64,000 people with dementia in Ireland, and the number of people with the condition will double in the next 25 years to over 150,000 by 2045.*

●      There are 11,000 new cases of dementia in Ireland each year. That’s at least 30 people every day, and anyone can get dementia – even people in their 30s/40s/50s.**

●      Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of conditions which cause changes and damage to the brain.

●      Dementia is progressive. There is currently no cure. Dementia is not simply a health issue but a social issue that requires a community response.

●      Most people with dementia (63%) live at home in the community. Over 180,000 people in Ireland are currently or have been carers for a family member or partner with dementia, with many more providing support and care in other ways.

●      1 in 10 people diagnosed with dementia in Ireland is under 65.

●      The overall cost of dementia care in Ireland is just over €1.69 billion per annum; 48% of this is attributable to family care; 43% is by residential care; formal health and social care services contribute only 9% to the total cost.

*Figures referenced by Cahill, S. & Pierce, M. (2013) The Prevalence of Dementia in Ireland

*Figure referenced from Alzheimer Europe (2020) Dementia in Europe Yearbook 2019 ‘Estimating the prevalence of dementia in Europe’

**Figure referenced from Pierce, T., O’Shea, E. and Carney P. (2018) Estimates of the prevalence, incidence and severity of dementia in Ireland.