Twelve women, 12 scenes, one goal, to raise much needed funds for Western Alzeheimers - this is the aim of the charity calendar ‘Sharing the Care’ which will be launched at O’Dea’s Hotel, Bride Street, Loughrea on Friday, September 14 at 8pm.
The calendar is a dream come true for organisers and calendar participants Martina Blake, and her mum Teresa, who took on the challenge of raising money for this worthy cause due to their own personal experiences with Alzheimers.
Martina explains: “I decided to take this project on because my late father Michael had Alzheimers for 10 years. That is why this charity is dear to my heart. I decided to get 12 beautiful, amazing, women to join me for my calender, to pose for 12 things that my dad loved in life. It is a tribute to Michael who was a very active, outgoing, and private man and well known in the local town of Loughrea. He was seen on his bike everyday, no matter what kind of weather there was, and always had a smile and a wave for everyone.
“I became a full-time carer for my dad the day he was diagnosed, at that stage I was only in my late teens. It was a role and a gift that was set out for me in life, it was now my chance to give back the love and care and dedication to a dad that had given the same thing to me growing up. Without my mum’s support and strength I would not have been able to carry out the role as a carer. The family support was fantastic and it was hard for them to see dad with this illness but knowing he was being cared for at home made them more happier. My mum had been fundraising for charities for many years before dad was diagnosed and continues to do so.”
To get the ball rolling Ms Burke contacted Noel Higgins of Western Alzheimers who put her in touch with Johnny Ryan Photography, based in Bishops Street, Tuam, who jumped at the chance to get involved.
The launch night, which has free entry, will include music by Carmel Dempsey and Frank Forde as well as special guests and is sponsored by Supermac’s and Corrys Food Hall in Loughrea. There will also be spot prizes sponsored by various businesses in Loughrea and Ballinasloe as well as food generously provided by O’Dea’s Hotel.
The calendars which cost €10 and will be on sale locally in Loughrea, Ballinasloe, and Galway city with all money raised going towards the Western Alzheimers Fund.
