09/05/2024
'In early 2021, my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
From being an active runner well into his eighties, doing 10km runs around UCD every other day, his decline has been very pronounced. He now requires support with basic things such as walking, eating, and personal care. As you can imagine, this has taken its toll on our family, particularly my mother.
She has gone from having a loving & caring husband to effectively being a full-time carer at home for somebody who now struggles to understand & respond to basic questions. My sisters and I have lost a confidant, someone who was always willing to offer guidance but now struggles to remember our and his grandchildren's names.
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland has supported us throughout this journey. We initially attended evening classes to help us better understand the upcoming changes, learn more about the disease, prepare us mentally, and understand what physical adaptations might be needed at home.
To raise vital funds as much as possible & help The ASI support other families, I've decided to take on a sizeable challenge, worthy of your generous donations.'
On 10th May 2024, Pierre Ó Conghaile will be going to North Wales to run in Ultra-Trail Snowdonia. The event is a 161-kilometre (100 miles) technical trail race around Snowdonia National Park, with 9,500+ meters of elevation gain (30,000+ feet). Mount Everest, for comparison, is 8,848m.
Support Pierre at the https://www.justgiving.com/page/pierre-oconghaile.
