Connacht Rugby star and Irish international Cian Prendergast is backing the Alzheimer’s Memory Walk for 2023 as a tribute to his grandmother who suffered from dementia.
Cian, who recently got his first Irish Senior cap, has experienced his grandmother living with dementia and will walk for her when the Alzheimer’s Memory Walk takes place nationwide on Sunday, September 24.
This week he launched Galway’s Salthill Prom Memory Walk, which will attract family members and those living with dementia around Galway to walk together in September.
Cian joins fellow ambassadors, including leading business entrepreneurs Pamela Laird and Ellen Kavanagh Jones, comedian Neil Delamere, TV personality Martin King, actor Bryan Murray, journalist and broadcaster Teena Gates, Miss Cork Rachel O’Leary, and Irish rugby star Jenny Murphy.
The Alzheimer’s Memory Walk takes place in over 30 locations nationwide on that date. The ASI aims to secure over 3,000 walkers across Ireland to participate and raise funds for vital services supporting many people living with dementia and those who care for them. These services include Daycare, Daycare at Home, Family Carer Training, Social Clubs, Cafés, and a National Helpline.
An estimated 3,553 people live with dementia in Galway. The national figure is estimated at 64,000, which according to leading dementia experts will more than double in the next 25 years to over 150,000 by 2045.
People can sign up now to participate in the 2023 Alzheimer’s Memory Walk on Sunday, September 24 at www.memorywalk.ie Registrations cost €5 for kids and €18 for adults and include a participation pack with a Memory Walk t-shirt.
The closing date for registrations to receive your participation pack is noon on Wednesday, September 20. Those who cannot walk on the day can still support the Memory Walk by donating at www.Alzheimer.ie
Speaking about the Alzheimer’s Memory Walk, Cian said he so happy to get behind this year’s Alzheimer’s Memory Walk and launch the Salthill Prom Walk today for The Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland.
"Alzheimer’s is a disease that is close to my heart as my grandmother lived with it so I know first-hand how much it can affect the entire family.
"The Alzheimer’s Memory Walk is a great chance to gather different generations and walk with, for or in memory of someone living with dementia.
"With over 30 locations already confirmed nationwide, you can check out your nearest location and register now for your Memory Walk pack on www.memorywalk.ie ”
Local Champion and Dementia Advisor for the Galway Branch of The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Joanne Hourigan will lead the Salthill Alzheimer’s Memory Walk in September .
“As a dementia adviser for Galway, I see the impact a dementia diagnosis can make to individuals and their families on a daily basis and how fundraising can play a vital role in delivering much needed services across the Galway.”
