Nuala Ahearne raises more than €3,000 for Parkinson's Support Group in Tipperary

Above: At the presentation of a cheque for €3,120 by Nuala Ahearne to the Clonmel Parkinson’s Support Group, which Nuala raised by completing the Ladies Mini Marathon, were, from left, Paddy McMeal, Geogia Ahearne, Nuala Ahearne, Mary Finnegan and Richard Mee

Nuala Ahearne completed the Ladies Mini Marathon in Dublin in June and raised €3,120 for the Clonmel Parkinson’s Support Group.

The group was formed by a Parkinson’s sufferer with the support and encouragement from the chairperson and members of the Tipperary branch of the Parkinson’s Association of Ireland.

Monthly meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month in Hotel Minella from 11am-1pm, and men and women of all ages are welcome.

The services provided by the branch and group are dependent on the public’s generosity and goodwill.

Parkinson’s sufferers are the only group in the neurological spectrum that must fundraise in order to survive. The funds raised allow Parkinson’s sufferers attend information days on the disease, and help provide yoga, art and exercise programmes, which are beneficial to those with the disease.

Social gatherings and outings help to boost the morale of those otherwise isolated in their homes, with a dog or television for company. Guest speakers are invited to meetings to make presentations on topics that are of interest to members.

Events organised by the Clonmel group include flag days. Most of the group members are reluctant to go out socially because of dyskinesias (involuntary movements), and so sitting on a chair outside a retail outlet can be a social event for some of the members.

Other events include a vintage tea morning, which is enjoyed by all; charity walks, concerts and auctions; a benefit night provided by a local choir; an overnight stay in a hotel, with entertainment provided; and the annual Christmas lunch, again with entertainment provided, and which is enjoyed by all.

Every year approximately 12,000 people in Ireland receive a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease.

This diagnosis is a life-altering experience and social isolation, loneliness and depression are some of the problems associated with the disease.

Although there is no cure, people with Parkinson’s can be treated, supported and empowered to live a good quality life.

Together with medications, there is an increasing focus on education, self-management, exercise and continuing to live life as normal as possible.