Politicians Do It For Charity

TDs and Senators Put Best Foot Forward by Climbing Mountain and Raising Money for Alzheimer Society of Ireland



11th July 2010

Determined Oireachtas Members from all sides of the House put their best foot forward and trekked up the Sliabh Beagh Mountains in Monaghan today. In doing so they succeeded in raising funds for the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.
Group leader, Jimmy Deenihan TD said;
We had a great turn out from TDs and Senators from all sides as well as from Oireachtas staff members. Despite the tough terrain we all rolled up our sleeves and completed the walk.
More importantly, we managed to generate money for an extremely worthy cause. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland do great work and we are all thrilled that by our efforts today, we will help contribute to their efforts.
This is the third year of the Annual Houses of the Oireachtas hill walk. Among the members in attendance today were: Jimmy Deenihan TD, Mary Upton TD, Caoimhghin O'Caol in TD, Mattie McGrath TD, Frank Feighan TD, Rory O'Hanlon TD, Seymour Crawford TD, Liz McManus TD, Aine Brady TD, Senator Joe O'Reilly and Senator Ronan Mullen.

Chief Executive of the Alzheimer Society of Irland Maurice O Connell said;

I thank all the TDs and Senators for lending their support to our cause and in helping us to continue to provide services to thousands of people living with dementia who depend on our vital services and guidance.

Every year our organisation needs to raise more than 4 million and fundraising initiatives like the Oireachtas Walk are essential in allowing us to reach that target.

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe various conditions which damage brain cells and lead to a loss of brain function over time. Dementia causes a progressive decline in a person s mental functioning. It is a broad term, which describes a loss of memory, intellect, rationality, social skills and normal emotional reactions.

The Society provides 115 services supplying nearly 700,000 hours of support during the year to the growing numbers of people affected by Alzheimer's disease and dementia in Ireland. Its National Helpline answered over 2,400 queries last year demonstrating clearly the demand for support pressured families need while providing care for their loved ones living with dementia.